Celebration 2025
On Friday 4th July, around 70 staff and volunteers gathered for the Care for Our City Celebration Evening, hosted at Emmanuel Church’s Oasis building in Hangleton. The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate the impact of the past year, to honour the commitment of our teams, and to share vision for the next season of ministry.
We enjoyed BBQ food and time to connect, before a programme of thanksgiving and awards. Several volunteers were recognised for their outstanding contribution, and the evening was full of gratitude and joy.
Reviewing the Year
In his address, ministry leader Tim Jones highlighted the remarkable impact achieved over the past 12 months. Key outcomes included:
3,260 food parcels distributed across four foodbanks (Brighton, Hove, Hangleton, Shoreham).
Over £250,000 in confirmed benefits and debt relief secured through partnership with Money Advice Plus.
Ongoing support through housing, mentoring, and job readiness programmes, enabling individuals to recover and begin new chapters.
Beyond the statistics, Tim shared stories of transformation: a single father of five now able to provide proper beds for his children, and former foodbank guests who are now volunteering and becoming part of church community life.
New Initiatives
The evening also marked the announcement of two significant new projects:
Community Grocery Shop (Hangleton) – a pantry-style store offering affordable, high-quality food, designed to support those just above the crisis threshold and to create sustainable community connections.
The KEYS Initiative – a pilot recovery project providing structured, Christ-centred support, including regular groups, supported detox, and pathways to long-term freedom and purpose.
Both initiatives are rooted in Care for Our City’s vision, shaped by Isaiah 61, to see “oaks of righteousness” raised up: strong, resilient lives planted in dignity and hope.
Looking Ahead
In closing, Tim emphasised that Care for Our City is not simply a ministry of Emmanuel Church but part of its identity and calling to “remember the poor.” Volunteers were encouraged that every contribution—from packing food parcels to offering prayer—plays a vital role in rebuilding lives and seeking the welfare of the city.
The evening concluded with a time of prayer and commissioning, as staff and volunteers looked forward with faith to the next chapter of ministry.
