Posted on Monday 31st October 2022
Victoria Wilson
A community church in Tamworth has been praised for its amazing efforts in helping people with the cost-of-living pressures.
The Heart of Tamworth Community Project runs several initiatives in the town designed to help people navigate the cost of living, help the homeless, and tackle loneliness and isolation.
The project runs a hot lunch club every Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church for people who would otherwise be lonely and isolated. The home-cooked, two-course lunch is free, and gives people from all ages and walks of life the opportunity to meet others and join in fun activities.
As well as this, volunteers run a community pantry which provides food to people who are struggling with the cost of living, alongside a number of groups and activities designed to support the community.
Heart of Tamworth is just one of many organisations across the county helping communities with the cost of living. More information on local groups can be found on Staffordshire County Council’s dedicated cost of living website, www.staffordshire.gov.uk/heretohelp
People can see the luncheon club in action at: https://bit.ly/3zvd5ZM
Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Communities Victoria Wilson visited the project in Tamworth recently. She said:
This is just one of the many organisations around the county that are helping with the cost of living crisis, and it’s really heartening to see so many people willing to give their time up voluntarily to help other people.
There is lots of help available out there, from a warm welcome in our libraries to lunch clubs happening across the county, and even help on budgeting, money advice and help to reduce heating costs, which can be found on our website. The work I have seen taking place in Tamworth has been fantastic, and I know there are many more organisations out there doing the same in other areas of the county. I cannot speak highly enough of this wonderful team, which works so hard to give to those who need support the most.”
Catherine Smith is the Chair of Trustees at the Heart of Tamworth Community Project. She said:
Our community café is very successful, is welcoming and friendly, and embraces people from all different groups.
We’re also seeing a big increase in the number of people using the community pantry, and it does seem to be making a difference to these people.
Alongside this we run a number of different initiatives and groups to help people, such as those with dementia or the recently bereaved. We’re trying to make sure the community has access to the advice and support it needs in these challenging times.”