Christian Concern, Crewe - Making a Difference.

We’ve all seen the old Anglican Church at the top of Hightown, with the big banner proclaiming: “Help us help others” and “Furniture wanted.” Have you ever wondered what might be going on inside?

This large, redundant church is home for Christian Concern Crewe. This charity was set up 16 years ago to provide practical help and support to families in the borough.

We support the poor and the marginalized

explained Reverend Rob Wykes who runs the centre.

We’re here to help restore their self-worth and encourage them to believe they can make a positive contribution to the community

Each year Christian Concern Crewe give away about 3,500 items of furniture to families that need them. Reverend Rob explained how many needy families and individuals are referred to him by the professional agencies. We deliver practical support to needy parents with anything from maternity clothes and baby items to school uniforms and baby “boxes” for teenage mums. During 2002 Christian Concern Crewe gave away 300 items of school uniform and over 250 bedding packs to families in need.

It doesn’t just end at giving clothes and furniture. The Centre does much to provide work and training opportunities to young people and adults. Preparing the furniture, clothes and bedding for distribution offers a range of work for those who would otherwise be difficult to place, including some with special needs. Delivering the goods using their own vans provides further worthwhile experience.

The photograph, right, is of Raymond Shenton, a worker with Christian Concern showing Lee Jenkins a bench he has just made from an old wooden bed.

St Pauls is now a thriving multi-purpose centre, transformed by installing a mezzanine floor to make full use of the space within the old church. It has a conference room and training centre offering a number of courses including First Aid, Computers and Basic Skills in partnership with South Cheshire College.

Surplus stock is sold in their shop, open every Friday to raise much-needed funds. Spare office space is rented out to other community organisations, generating income for planned projects. Money is needed to carry out overdue repairs to the church roof. When funds allow Christian Concern Crewe would like to revamp the cellar and open a community café.

Christian Concern Crewe is doing so much for the community and there’s so much more they want to do. Rob Wykes and his team are bursting with great ideas of how they can do more.

If you would like to get involved with exciting local projects, give Rob a call or pop in for a chat.