Barney from Hope Central
Wilmslow, a town around 11 miles south of Manchester in North East Cheshire, is often associated with footballers, affluence and leafy streets. But behind the familiar headlines, there are concentrated areas of deprivation where people face real and often hidden struggles.
Established in 2019, Hope Central is a Christian charity supported by three local churches, with a mission to serve people in these communities who need practical support, encouragement and hope.
When we visited Hope Central, it was clear that this was a busy place. The team supports people through a wide range of services, from a Foodbank and refugee support to running several Christians Against Poverty (CAP) services such as the Job Club, Money Course, Life Skills Course, Fresh Start Course and a Debt Centre.
Barney, Hope Central’s Interim Managing Director, explained that many of the people they support are struggling with everyday essentials that many of us can take for granted. Through the CAP services Hope Central run, they see first-hand the impact problem debt can have on families, with:
59% of CAP clients struggling to afford a weekly shop and 63% struggling to afford a bed and mattress because of financial pressures.
This is where Acts 435 has become such a valuable partner. Through Acts 435 clients are able to receive support, especially those facing emergency situations or needing support to move forwards. Acts 435 donors are able to read the requests for help and give to specific needs. This can include replacing broken washing machines, providing beds for people moving into unfurnished accommodation, clothes for job interviews and other basic items.
Simon, one of Hope Central’s volunteers, shared about a family who had found themselves in an impossible situation. They were renting a fridge/freezer and found themselves unable to keep up with payments. This meant the appliance was eventually repossessed.
For any family, losing such an essential item would be distressing. However for this family the situation was even more urgent, as one of their children was diabetic and they needed a fridge to safely store their medication.
Thankfully, Acts 435 supporters were able to respond quickly, providing the funds needed to help the family purchase a fridge/freezer.
After receiving ongoing support from the Hope Central team, the family eventually became debt free. At their final meeting together, they shared just how much the gift from Acts 435 donors had meant to them, not only providing a practical solution, but showing that someone cared during one of the most difficult seasons of their lives.
Stories like this demonstrate the incredible difference that can be made. Through the generosity of Acts 435 donors and the dedication of local partners like Hope Central, practical help can reach people at exactly the right time.
Watch the full video from Hope Central to see how Acts 435 works on the ground: www.acts435.org.uk/partner
🎥 Watch the Hope Central video here: