The Deptford Ragged Trust, the charitable trust of The Bear Church, offers a place of refuge, learning , worship and community to local people in South East London.

We are continuing the work of one of London’s first ragged schools started in Deptford by eight Christian men and women in 1844. The legacy is about creating community and addressing the impact of poverty on people'

8 months ago , faced with losing our home in Deptford altogether, we were able to reduce our beloved but outdated and too small building to rubble, and have started the huge task of rebuilding, bigger, better, even more welcoming and this time in partnership with J49 Housing, with 33 flats at socially affordable rent for young people at risk of homelessness

Thanks to some amazing generosity, hard work and faith, we are already at 94% of our £10m target, and building is going full steam ahead.

Every £1 is another baby step towards the goal. This September I will be swimming Swim Serpentine to raise what I can, and would really appreciate any sponsorship!