Willowfield Church wins first ever UK Christian Social Action Award
The winners of the first ever Christian Funders’ Forum (CFF) Christian social action awards, which included Willowfield Church in East Belfast, were announced at a special ceremony on Wednesday 12 November. This ground–breaking event, held in the historic Guards Room at Lambeth Palace in London, also recognised and celebrated the teams behind these key projects, which have been implemented to serve their communities around the UK.
Members of the Willowfield Parish Community Association, which is based on My Lady’s Road, delightedly received the award for the Best Transformative Community Project For Vulnerable Young People. They were nominated by one of their funders, The Hinchley Trust. This grass roots community based youth work project, which started in 2002, has since seen thousands of young people engage with their programmes over the years.
The project itself prioritises meeting young people where they are at, whether that’s in schools, on the streets or via a weekly drop in centre. The leaders spend time identifying with the young people themselves what social and personal issues may be affecting them on a day–to–day basis. They then seek to address these needs whether it’s low self–esteem, eating disorders, self–harm, loneliness or sectarian issues.
Matthew was excluded from 3 different secondary schools, and made homeless when his mother emigrated. He describes life as “Tough – the only friends I had influenced me into things I shouldn’t be doing. Willowfield gave me things to do to draw me away from all this and I have had the opportunity to do things I would never have dreamt of when I was 16. A few weeks ago me, my friends and a youth worker took on the challenge to cycle the length of Ireland. This was a chance for me to test my dedication and commitment but also to show the influence God has on my life.” Matthew is now taking part in Willowfield’s intern training programme.
Archdeacon David McClay who is the Chairman of the Association and accepted the award on the night said, ‘It was such a privilege to see the dedication of our volunteers and staff being rewarded in this way and more importantly the young people whose lives are being impacted and turned around by God being recognised. It was special to receive this award on their behalf in the shadow of the portrait of Archbishop William Temple who famously said, “The church is the only organisation that exists for the benefit of non–members.”’
Matt Bird, Chair of the Christian Funders’ Forum and host of the ceremony said, “It was such a privilege tonight as members of The Christian Funders’ Forum to recognise and award these amazing churches and organisations, who are doing some incredible and innovative work in their communities across the UK. These projects represent the growing impact that churches are having in their local areas, working together to love their communities.”
Above, with their award, representing WPCA, Mr John Menagh and Archdeacon David McClay