Community Support Project
Is a programme of community support in an area of Bath recognised by National Government as being of particular deprivation and social need. It is sponsored by the Methodist churches in Bath and largely funded by grants from the Methodist Church at national, district and circuit level and by contributions from church members and friends.
The project supports a deacon and lay worker, who work in the community, offering care and guidance to people and organizations in the area.
The project is based at the Southdown Methodist Centre, but most of the deacon's work is amongst the people on the estates. Important community support is provided at the church centre by the Lay Worker and a team of volunteers, who organise a lunch club, nearly new shop, carer and toddler group, weekly fellowship and monthly midweek worship. The centre is also widely used by local community groups, such as the local health clinic, Credit Union and Southside Food Co-operative. The Deacon is involved with and supports such groups as the Southside Interagency Group, Southside Family Group, First Steps Nursery and Southside Youth Centre.
The Church Centre is also used by the local councillors for their surgery. Recently they wrote:
"Cllr Romero and I value the tremendous work done by the Methodist Church in Southdown."
- Cllr Paul Crossley, Lib. Dem. Councillor for Southdown.
The Whiteway Southdown Project has provided consistent support and care to this community for more than eight years and has plans to continue to do so for at least the next five years.
Acknowledgements
The management team wish to thank the following trusts and organisations that support the project financially:
- Methodist Church Mission Alongside the Poor Fund
- Bristol District of the Methodist Church
- Bath Methodist Circuit
- Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Trust
- Medlock Charitable Trust
- Bath Moral Welfare Fund
- Roper Rhodes Limited