Church Urban Fund:
St Cleopas Toxteth

The original St Cleopas church (photo courtesy of Paul Young) was built in 1866 to serve a large and growing population. By 1878 the population was large enough to open a new church which was consecrated in 1884 as St Gabriel's. The two churches are still linked along with St Philemon's in the Toxteth Team Ministry. The original church was demolished in 1973 and since then the small but committed congregation had been meeting in the church hall. This hall was not deteriorating andy also physically isolated following the clearance and rebuilding of houses. It was no longer suitable as a base for ministry and mission in Toxteth. The first service in the new church was conducted by the Bishop of Liverpool on Sunday 15th May 2005.

The Church Urban Fund had long been supportive of ministry at St Cleopas church. CUF initially provided funding towards a development worker at the 468 Centre run by the Church. The 468 began life as an after school club and has expanded to offer a wide range of community activities. CUF also made a capital grant towards the cost of the new build Church and Family Centre. CUF was prepared to make this grant because the new building was intended to provide extensive community services and facilities through the Family Centre alongside the the worship centre. Further funding has also been granted towards the salary of a new Centre Development worker. This post will oversee the community ministry through the cafe, laundrette and family centre services. The goal is to develop this ministry in partnership with the local community and other service providers. For example, Liverpool Family Service Unit and the local Primary Care Trust are involved in offering counseling and support through the Family Centre.

The all new St Cleopas’ Church and Family Centre in Toxteth provides a warm welcome, advice, support and even laundry facilities for families living in an area plagued by unemployment, ill health and poverty. A once thriving shopping area had became a derelict street which sadly became an easy target for vandalism, arson and graffiti. Community facilities were scarce when construction of a new church building began in 2005. It was an ideal opportunity to combine a worship area with the practical facilities the area so desperately needed. The new St Cleopas was built fully equipped with a laundrette, a café and a family centre. The new centre opened to the public in November of 2005 and now hosts a growing number of community groups.

Parenting classes are held by midwives in the brand new child friendly facilities; the local school finds the venue ideal for dramatic productions and special events, and a support group for those who have lost loved ones through murder or manslaughter meets at the centre. A Family Support Worker will shortly be based at the centre and plans are in place to introduce further services, including budget cookery classes and debt management services.

The laundry has provided an opportunity to offer not only a practical and helpful service but a way of getting to know local people too. Linda Donaldson, from the centre’s management committee says, “The service is available Monday to Friday and we encourage people to stay while their clothes are being washed. We chat over a cup of tea and they tell us their problems and concerns. It’s been a great way of building relationships in the community, people leave with clean clothes and the assurance that someone cares.”

There are many ways for local people to benefit from the work of St Cleopas. Some come and serve as a volunteer, building their confidence as they learn new skills and at the same time they are drawn into the church family. Roz Dawson, Centre Worker says, “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Centre. It’s good to get to know local people, draw them into the work of the centre and be able to help them develop new skills and find an outlet for their talents. People get a real sense of satisfaction from being involved, giving something back and helping to make a difference in their community.”