Churches in our diocese are not just hosting their community this Christmas but delivering it as well! St John’s in Hartley Wintney is the centrepoint of a new scheme delivering food and other essentials such as medicine and warm clothing to local people – but this year the team have joined up with local businesses and will be delivering turkeys and hampers too.
The scheme, called ‘Go To’, has been set up though the Good Neighbours Network (GNN), and trains volunteers to use electric bikes to carry goods and sometimes people around the village, helping them stay in touch with friends and neighbours and receive free deliveries from local shops.
Funded by the Department of Transport under a Government scheme to tackle loneliness, the initiative is part of a coalition of organisations across Hampshire. Although primarily designed as a local low carbon delivery service, the focus on loneliness is also a priority. All the volunteers are encouraged to take time to have a chat with people using the service, even do the odd small job if that’s what’s needed. Organisers say these brief conversations can be very informative and the volunteers are trained in how to signpost to other support services as required.
We are delighted to host E-Bikes at St John’s as preventing and combating loneliness is so important in these post-pandemic times and our community. We’re especially pleased that pedal power is being harnessed so that both people and our planet can benefit!
Angie Smith, vicar of St John’s Hartley Wintney
Meanwhile, at LOVECHURCH, Bournemouth, the team packed and delivered 94 hampers of food goods and toiletries to bless people in their local community!
