Throughout the global pandemic the Wigan Deanery Trust has worked alongside Fur Clemt, The Brick, The Real Junk Food Project and Wigan Council, in providing food to support those across our town who need it most. Revd. Rachel Sheehan has coordinated our Food Provision Ministry. She is full of praise for the partnerships that are making such a difference at this time. She comments, "It has been wonderful to join forces with all amazing partners during this time. We are so much better, stronger and more effective working together. I am so thankful that by working as a team, we can make a bigger difference across our town!"

Hope in a Hamper

Rachel says: "We are quickly approaching Christmas, a time when we as a Church come together to celebrate the Good News of our Saviours birth! However, for many, Christmas can be an extremely stressful and anxious time, as financial pressures and expectations increase; the pandemic has amplified this. Christmas for some is also quite a lonely time and this year, especially for those who live on their own or who are having to self-isolate, or those who are not able to see family and friends in the way they would want to. With this in mind, we are seeking to bring comfort and joy to the people of our communities in different ways."

Rachel and her team are overseeing the ambitious plans to bring Christmas joy to many people and their families. The idea is to bless people with one of two food hampers. A 'Christmas Dinner Hamper', that contains everything in it to make a Christmas lunch plus a few extra treats too or a 'Christmas Treat Hamper' which will contain Christmassy treats to make someone smile. The hamper is symbolic of the manger and the contents represent unwrapping the true joy of Christmas. The project is hoping to reach over 1000 families and individuals across our town.

So, if you want to be involved in bringing tidings of comfort and joy there are many ways in which you can help. In particular, you can help financially by making a donation.