Baby steps making big impact for community

God is using Braintree Elim’s drop-in centre, playgroup and baby bank to care for vulnerable families when they need it most. The team behind them told Chris Rolfe about their work

BRAINTREE BRIDGE

Braintree Elim’s community work started with Braintree Bridge – its weekly Monday drop-in, explains Sheryl Pradella

Sheryl:

Braintree Bridge was born out of our church’s heart to create a welcoming drop-in space in our town centre. It provides a safe and friendly place where people can talk, have refreshments and get practical support like form-filling and English lessons. We have strong partnerships with different organisations and the local council, so it’s become a trusted hub for people facing loneliness, hardship or financial difficulties.

A highlight is our “Cook well on a budget” project which enables families – especially mums – to learn essential cooking skills. We teach them to cook healthy meals and give them ingredients so they can prepare meals at home too.

People come to The Bridge from our other activities too – mums who are here for Home Start or our toddler group – so it’s all connected, like cross-fertilisation.

We also support these families with “bags of love” filled with treats at Easter and Christmas.

STAY’N PLAY

Braintree Elim’s popular toddler group offers a welcoming place for parents, grandparents, carers and kids to find friendship, say church pastor Andy Knight and his wife Gleisi

Gleisi:

Many toddler groups around us are struggling but we’ve had to cap numbers here. That’s because our sessions are more than activities – they’re times of connection, encouragement and community. We have crafts, singing, lunch and offer good coffee and proper cakes. It’s been a real joy to see friendships forming and people supporting each other. We charge £1 per child and use the money to run parties at Christmas, Easter and in the summer.

Every family should have the...

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