CASTLETOWN CHURCH PROVIDE WARM SPACE SESSIONS THANKS TO FUNDING SUPPORT

Manx Lottery Trust has awarded funding to St Mary’s on the Harbour for it to provide lunches to nearby residents.

The church, which has been awarded a grant of £1,350 from the Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund, will use the funding to host a weekly lunch club throughout winter.

The free lunch club will be held from 10am onwards every Wednesday, where attendees will have the opportunity to socialise with other members of the community and enjoy a selection of hot food and refreshments including freshly made soup, sandwiches, cheese and biscuits, teas, and coffees. The church is also providing a home delivery option for the elderly and house bound.

Susan Watterson, Volunteer at St Mary’s on the Harbour, said: ‘We’re extremely thankful for this support, which couldn’t have come at a better time. Although we’ve hosted a coffee morning every Friday morning for the elderly and those who live alone for a number of years, to be able to offer further support and a helping hand to the vulnerable will go a long way this winter.

‘We were also able to host a lunch on Christmas Day, and deliver a meal to any house-bound members of our community, which certainly meant a great deal to many.

‘We would like to welcome anyone who isn’t already aware of our Wednesday lunches, to get in touch, and join us if you’re struggling during the remainder of the winter months!’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘This initiative by St Mary’s on the Harbour is one which will help a number of people during this difficult period – members of the community can enjoy a warm meal, a warm space, a film and some friendly company.’

This grant is from the Manx Lottery Trust’s Community Warm Spaces Fund, which is funded by the Isle of Man Government. To find out more, head to: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes/