Case Studies 2015 / 16

Elsie Ever After - Bereavement Support across Cheshire The story of Elsie Ever After is one of loss, hope and practical outworking of faith at both individual and institutional levels.   Following the loss of Elspeth Lyons, her family sought support for themselves and their children.  It was discovered that support services were not available to the Lyons' due to geography and the nature of Elspeth's passing.  Following research and seeking external support, Elsie Ever After was created in order to facilitate access to bereavement support regardless of location or circumstance.
Streetworx - Panna Footbal Cage Project across Cheshire Streetworx Panna Football Cage has been running in Chester since 2010.  The project is an example of how faith based community projects are partnering with both Faith and Public sectors to build youth provision, reduce anti-social behaviour, and develop community cohesion.
Wellbeing High Street - A model for faith based community organising in Ellesmere Port The Wellbeing High Street (WBHS) is a Faith Based Organisation based in Ellesmere Port. Their aims are to help and support people in communities, including those that are now in recovery, experiencing unemployment, isolation, mental illness, physical illness, drug or alcohol related issues.  WBHS offer weekend activities when people may be at their most vulnerable on Friday night, Saturday and Sundays. WBHS signpost to social enterprises and businesses that are already in the heart of the community to provide rewarding activities, social clubs and classes for everyone to do and enjoy from all ages and all walks of life.  WBHS seeks to welcome people and to help them find a 'Passion to be Better'.

Faith in the Community - West Cheshire in 2014

More than 170 delegates joined keynote speakers and representatives of Faith, Voluntary and Civic Sectors in Chester Cathedral for the “Faith in the Community” event.  In partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council, Link Up presented results from the 2013 Faith Action Audit and trends since the earlier 2010 snapshot of Faith Sector activity across the Borough. 

The keynote speakers shared their thoughts on the importance and influence of faith groups in the community.  Click on the images below to view the various sessions recorded at the event.
 

	Steve Robinson, Chief Executive of Cheshire West and Chester Council
	Link Up’s Alison Linfield and Gary Atkins with Maria Byrne, Head of Service for Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Northwich and Winsford Locality - shared strategic plans and outcomes.
	Matthew Bird CEO of The Cinnamon Network
	The Right Revd Keith Sinclair
	Q&A with the keynote speakers

Case Studies 2013

Ellesmere Port: Project Andrew Project Andrew is facilitated by The Church Army and based at Ellesmere Port boat museum. They are working with young men and Youth Offender Teams, to help restore a narrow boat. The projects aims are to engage with young people as they restore the narrow boat to help them restore a sense of purpose in their lives and to give them self-worth.
Winsford & Northwich: Mid Cheshire Foodbank Using the Trussell Trust model Mid Cheshire Foodbank supports people in the Winsford and Northwich areas. 1,500 people have been provided with three days food through 6 distribution centres. The foodbank is supported by over 160 volunteers.
Chester: Night Church Night Church is a Christian sacred space in the heart of the city at night, where regardless of people’s views or beliefs, all are welcome. It opens on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9.30pm - 2am, having about 3000 visitors each year. Based in St Peter’s church, Night Church partners with and has volunteers from many Chester churches.
Rural Communities: Neston Methodist Church Based in the heart of the village, Neston Methodist church provides a range of activities for the local community, including drop in café, cyber centre and tea pot café. Age UK are also based in the church because of its central position and easy access for the weekly 20-25 requests for help from local residents.

Case Studies 2010

	Northwich and Rural North: Main Street Community Church, Frodsham In the heart of Frodsham, Tim and his team are a local Faith Community using their building to serve the Community.  The Wellspring Café provides a local focus Tuesdays and Thursdays. As a community hub, the building hosts Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union, the CAB, a bookstall and Fair Traded goods.
	Winsford and Rural East: Christians Against Poverty CAP is a national free debt counselling service licensed by the OFT. Up to 200 users have been helped with home visits. A free budgeting course, CAP Money, runs for three sessions of 90 minutes. CAP HQ negotiates with creditors on behalf of clients and a free phone helpline is provided.
	Rural West: Agricultural Chaplaincy Providing help 24/7 and 365 days each year the team covers financial and business issues, relationships and welfare benefit advice. The Chaplaincy is the only agency specifically helping gay farmers. The use of social media shares information and raises awareness of issues as well as developing mutual support and easing isolation.
	Chester: Football Cage Project Now a joint project between Blacon Community Church and Cheshire Police, this project has grown from a detached youth work project in 2010. Engaging with 400 young people, a 30-40% drop in antisocial behaviour has been reported. Staffed by volunteers, the project builds relationships between young people and the Police.
	Ellesmere Port: Street Pastors Street Pastors are key community partners in Ellesmere Port. Practical projects engaging students from the Academy have changed local residents’ attitudes towards young people. School Pastors are a new initiative about to launch providing guardianship and mentoring as students move from the feeder schools into the academy.