During the New Year the Industrial Chaplaincy and associated projects will be working hard to develop its range of services and initiatives across Greater Manchester to meet the needs of communities they serve following on from the impact of Covid.
The continued development of the Chaplaincy at Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, the Bolton Town Centre Chaplaincy and the Oldham reflect a strong commitment by GMIM to the retail sector at a time of significant change. Many local town centres also face redevelopment as Councils and planners respond to the new patterns of shopping practice as well as ensuring they are places of welcome and variety.
The Bolton Christian Community Cohesion project has worked on developing this will be placing additional effort into the challenges facing communities on Cohesion. Working with partners we will be developing an extended service offer to enhance and encourage new responses to local issues and pressures people and communities face.
Oldham Street Angels continues to support people through the rough sleepers initiative and with food due to the changes brought about by Covid. The support of the night time economy especially at weekends has recommenced following the reopening of the clubs and bars. . The work is strongly supported by the Local Council and the clubs/ entertainment sector in the town. It has earned a great reputation for the quality of its support for people in the town. Health service professionals have also complimented the activity as part of ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for all visitors.
St. Antony’s Centre for Church & Industry, home of GMIM and its network of local learning and support facilities across the North West and recently in Northern Ireland continues to develop its outreach to communities and those needing essential skills in Information and Communications technology. Qualified tutors have been offering free classes across libraries in Bury attracting hundreds of people from the community very appreciative of the FREE Digital & internet skills classes offered. We hope to extend this service further over the year ahead.
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