Church Growth Fund helps Warm Hub launch at Christchurch, Prestatyn

A new community initiative has been launched in Prestatyn, supported by a Tier 1 grant from the Church in Wales Church Growth Fund, the Church’s £100 million investment in evangelism and growth across Wales.

The Warm Hub, based at Christchurch’s Lower Community Hall in Prestatyn, operates every Thursday from 12 pm to 2 pm and provides a welcoming space for local people to come together over a hot meal, refreshments and friendly conversation. Events also include informal activities, such as a chess club and, most recently, Christmas Wreath making.

The project was developed in response to increasing social and economic pressures across the town, particularly during colder months, when many residents face challenges related to heating costs, isolation and reduced opportunities for community engagement.

Support from the Church Growth Fund enabled the team to resource the Warm Hub with essential equipment, supplies and volunteer coordination, helping to ensure that meals, refreshments and activities can be offered each week consistently.

The funding has also contributed to providing a place for Reverend Ana Evans to work in her curacy at Christchurch alongside Reverend Gregor Lacklann-Waddell. Rev Ana says, “It’s the Church Growth Fund, that allows me to be able to be here and for this (Warm Hub) to be a permanent fixture in this setting and for our community”.

Since its recent launch, the Warm Hub has begun to attract people from a range of ages and situations. Many attendees appreciate not only the meal but the chance to meet others in a warm and friendly environment.

Reverend Gregor Lachlann-Waddell said, “The beauty of the project here, we've had a lot of volunteers just turn up organically asking if they could lend a hand, some of their time, and that has been a blessing”.

When asked what he would like to pass on to anyone who is considering applying for the Church Growth Fund, he said, “Don’t be afraid to step out in faith, and God will guide you. Don't be afraid to actually put your ideas and your visions forward and say, ‘actually, this is something that I think God is doing’”

“My hopes for the Warm hub going forward” says Rev Ana, “are for it to continue to build community, for it to be a safe place, a warm place for people to come and be fed, people who may otherwise not have a meal”

The Church Growth Fund’s purpose of resourcing locally led initiatives that extend the Church’s reach into the community is strongly represented here in Prestatyn.