The Salvation Army has been working in Exeter since 1881 and has a full programme that includes providing the following to anyone in our community:

• Worship on Sunday mornings and festivals throughout the year

• Takeaway hot meals and goody bags on Saturdays and Sundays for anyone needing a meal

• Tailored support for those seeking employment to be job ready, along with support to stay in work

• Parent and Toddler groups

• Connect Club sessions for people to meet, play games, do crafts, chat and have a coffee

• Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers

• School assemblies and support with curriculum activities and resources

• Singing-by-heart sessions - a singing group for adults that is fun and aims to be dementia friendly

• Food parcels, especially during school holidays

• Christmas toys for over 300 children, birthday presents as requested

• A safe space for families to meet, rehearsal facilities for local choirs, and for community clubs to hold meetings and activities.

During lockdown we were asked by Exeter City Council to provide meals at weekends for vulnerable people accommodated in hotels and in their own homes. Each weekend approximately 120 meals were cooked and delivered.

We have plans to extend our programme to include a luncheon club and to work with other community groups to provide facilities that support the needs of local people.

The Salvation Army is a Christian Church & registered Charity working in 130 countries worldwide and is one of the largest and most diverse providers of social welfare in the world. In the UK and Republic of Ireland this work includes more than 800 Salvation Army social service centres and community churches. We provide unconditional friendship, support and very practical help to people in crisis and need and work with children, homeless people, all adult victims of modern slavery and those dealing with drug and/or alcohol addiction.