Saltbox is synonymous across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond for community-based services for vulnerable and marginalised members of society. However, what may be less well known to some is the range and scope of Saltbox's spiritual development work. Below you will find details of Saltbox's MISSION 40 appeal for Lent 2017, aimed at supporting this vital, socially inclusive work.

Our Christian faith is paramount in everything we do and is the foundation that Saltbox is built on. On a continued basis, we work with churches and faith groups to promote UNITY, PRAYER and MISSION across the region. To advance this work we have a full-time Church Liaison Officer, Tim, and have just taken on a chaplain to minister to the spiritual needs of ex-offenders in the Restart programme. 

In addition, we are fortunate to have been able to increase our support to numerous local Christian projects such as Street Chaplains, Ministry at Work, Rubygirl UK, Beacon House of Prayer, Cross Rhythms City Radio among others. One of our more prominent events is the annual Civic Prayer Breakfast - now used as the national model for other cities - where we build on civic and community relationships to promote prayer-based social action. This year's event is on 5 May and we are expecting a record turnout of over 300 people.

There is much good work going on in North Staffordshire, helping faith communities to flourish. This work goes on and there is still much to do. Our spiritual development and Christian outreach work relies almost exclusively on fundraising and donations from supporters. That is why we are asking our friends to use this time of Lenten reflection to prayerfully consider whether you can support us in our work for the local faith community.Our target is large, but so is our ambition: to change the world, one life at a time!