Community Support at St. Matthew's

In response to the cost-of-living crisis that hit in January 2023, our church took action by creating a Warm Hub for the local community. Every Friday after school, we open our doors to anyone in need, offering a homemade dinner, dessert, and a safe space. We provide activities and games for children, allowing parents to relax, socialize, and meet new friends.

What started as a simple meal service quickly revealed deeper needs in our community, especially surrounding mental health. Recognising this, we decided to continue offering the hub all year round, and we’re still going strong today!

Cooking and Community

As more people came to our hub, adults began asking how we prepare the meals, all made with healthy, budget-friendly ingredients. This led to the creation of a new initiative. With funds raised, we converted a room into a training kitchen where we now teach a range of cooking skills. These sessions include tips on how to cook on a budget and Western-style meals for families who are new to the country.

Supporting Families and Children

The need for mental health support has only increased, especially among children and youth struggling with anxiety, insecurities, and fear since COVID-19. In response, we began offering cooking sessions for children that also focus on mental health. These sessions aim to build self-esteem, teach coping skills for anxiety and panic attacks, and address issues like anger management.

A Holistic Approach to Care

Beyond our hub, our team continues to offer care throughout the week. We attend social services meetings with vulnerable adults, provide support during doctors’ appointments (often preventing unnecessary ambulance calls), and meet for coffee with those struggling with loneliness. We also support women with mental health diagnoses by attending their appointments, advocating on their behalf, and helping them find purpose through cooking.

Our care doesn’t stop there. As a church, there have been occasions when we’ve even opened our homes to those in need, offering a safe place to stay for those transitioning out of hospital before rejoining their families.

Winter Warm Hub for the Elderly

During the winter months, we also run a separate Warm Hub for the elderly, providing hot meals and much-needed support. Many of the elderly in our community face confusion over day-to-day matters, often leading to distress or unnecessary medical visits. We help by explaining these issues and providing a listening ear.

Our Mission

At St. Matthew's Church, our mission is simple but vital: to stand with and support the most vulnerable in our community. We are committed to walking alongside those in need, offering practical help, emotional support, and a sense of belonging to all who enter our doors.