Filling the Gap continues to grow in the Diocese of Chester. There are now eleven churches across the Diocese of Chester taking part in the initiative from Transforming Lives Together (TLT).
Filling the Gap ensures that children and their families can enjoy food and activities over the school holidays as well as building relationships and making friends.
Wendy Robertson, Community Builder for TLT in the Diocese of Chester says: "Volunteers and staff work extremely hard to make sure everyone receives a warm welcome and the difference made to individual lives is very evident in the feedback from this summer. Seven churches completed our feedback survey and from just those seven we saw that 805 children attended, along with 282 adults. Altogether 1,659 meals were provided. This is a fantastic achievement."
At a time when many families rely upon the provision of a free school meal to supplement their budget, school holidays can be an additional struggle for some.
Archdeacon Ian Bishop has been an advocate of Filling the Gap.
Wendy Robertson says: "For families on low budgets, the squeeze on their already limited resources can be massive. Finding extra food is one thing but also providing safe, fun activity can also be a stress. As children return to school after the holidays, they want to be able to tell a story about what they did and how much fun they had."
Transforming Lives Together is a joint venture between the Diocese of Chester and the Church Urban Fund (CUF) and is part of the Together Network. Initiatives include Places of Welcome and Filling the Gap.
Are you interested in helping children and young families? Could your church hold its own Filling the Gap initiative? Download the Filling the Gap guide and get started today.
Have a passion for children and youth ministry?
If you are sensing God's call on your life why not come along to Called to Serve, a morning event for all those interested in exploring a formal ministry in the Diocese of Chester. Find out more.
