M&S Chorley Foodhall

Our foodbank was founded in 2011 and we have more than 40 agencies that refer into people into our emergency food provision. We serve approximately 50 families/individuals per week by providing generous food parcels containing fresh, bakery, chilled , cupboard and long-life foods that encourage a healthy and varied diet. We utilise Neighbourly and Fareshare to offer a varied selection of food and to reduce food waste. Each person collecting from the foodbank can have a free meal from Cafe Connect where we give out our food parcels. We also provide free functional Maths and English courses at the learner's pace every Friday, again with a free hot sandwich and drink. This covers entry level to level 2 and includes examination fees and certification. As part of building resilience and community, we also offer free CAP Money Skills and Life Skills courses. These courses help with all areas of budgeting, energy, relationships, nutrition and wellbeing. We have a strong and positive impact on our community, are well established and well known. We seek to feed families and bring hope throughout the Chorley Borough.

Our objective is to reach out to our community and the nation with the love of God and the gospel of the kingdom, being the hand and feet of jesus to all. we carry out dance outreaches, midweek and sunday services, breaking of bread services, and other outreaches. we participate in street pastoring & committed to the unity of churches. we are big enough to accommodate everyone & to give all significance. We also carry out food outreaches where we give out food to the vulnerable in our community

Recently recognised by Lancashire NHS Trust for the positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in the community The Wellness Hub at St Laurence’s Church has been featured as national church of the month in recognition for the community services listed below. Open Table 2 course hot meal every Monday for those who are homeless or in need of food and company. Run by a team of volunteers since 2014, we serve around 45 people every week. Taste Café Open 3 days a week, serving meals, hot drinks etc. This is a ‘pay what you can’ basis, and so another valuable service to those who are vulnerable in our community, providing warmth, sustenance and company to those who need it. In addition to a food, warmth and a safe space our trained volunteers engage with those in need of extra support and provide company, and signposting to our other Wellbeing Hub services. Courses We offer a diverse range of free courses, our ultimate aim is to have a transformative impact on our community providing improved health (physical, mental & spiritual), new skills & improved confidence . This includes regular life skills courses designed to reduce poverty, mindfullness and mental health support and education, creative courses, health, nutrition and more.