Church Wigan provides a warm welcome this winter

First published on: 21st October 2022

As the temperature drops and the cost of heating rises, many families could struggle to make it through the winter. Churches across the Diocese are responding by providing warm spaces that are open to their communities.

Church Wigan is providing warm spaces and has received financial help from the Wigan Council to get various warm spaces up and running. Rev Mark Wade said “as Church Wigan, in its larger parishes, we have built a very good relationship with the local Council. Being able to communicate well on behalf of all the churches has given Church Wigan valuable opportunities”. He also shared that “each church with suitable space is able to apply for up to £2,000 to help with running costs”. So far, St James and St Nathaniel’s already have spaces open but there are more to come. Church Wigan has won the trust of the Council and now is often approached by them to check on the churches’ needs.

Rev Mark also shared that what breaks his heart and the heart of the church is the fear of not being able to afford the heating bills that is sweeping across people in Wigan. “As a community of Christians, Church Wigan is doing everything we can to be a light in this seemingly dark time. We are always ready to welcome everyone to take rest in our warm buildings whilst sharing some tea and good conversations”. 

It’s not just in Wigan. All Saints, Stoneycroft are self-funding a warm welcome space every Thursday. They are providing tea, coffee and most importantly warmth and good conversations. They are one of many churches across Liverpool Diocese doing everything they can to support people in their community.  

If you would like to set up a warm space in your building, you can register the space on the Warm Welcome UK website. It is important to advertise it well to get more people informed so they can share with those who need it. If you are in Wigan, you can find the details of all the warm places in the area on the Wigan Deanery Trust website and Church Wigan’s Facebook page. 

If you need some advice on how to set up your space or just want to chat about this initiative, you can contact Rev Mark personally at hubleader.west@churchwigan.org 

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