Kings Langley church finds new ways to support the community during lockdown

A church in Kings Langley is finding new ways to support the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

The pandemic has been a difficult time for many with a rise in loneliness and mental health issues both among the elderly and in younger age groups.

Recognising this, All Saints is extending the it's telephone support scheme, offering conversation and support over the phone, to the wider community.

Father James, Team Vicar of All Saints, said: "When we went into the first lockdown our pastoral team would call members regularly to keep in touch with them.

"As time has gone on we wanted to offer that to more people. We want to offer this to anyone in the village, to people of every faith and none, as a way of supporting the community, it is an offer of friendship and regular contact/conversation.

"We hope we can reach out to anyone who needs that support."

Anyone in the community who would like someone to talk to on a regular basis is welcome to sign up to this and a member of the church's pastoral team will then keep in touch with you.

Barbara, who is one of the people All Saints supports in this way, said: "The phone rings and I wonder who that might be and it is great to hear a friendly voice on the other end, it is good to talk."

All Saints is also aware that this is a difficult time for parents, especially those with young children.

The church is now offering activity packs for little ones which can be collected from the back of church from 10am every Wednesday.

With restrictions starting to ease the church hopes to begin its Tiny Tots group again in person after Easter.

Fr James said: "We were disappointed not to be able to re-start in January, but it’s important to play our part in protecting people in the community from the virus.

"We hope that the activity packs will bring some brightness to young families in the meantime.

"Watch this space for more details about a date for the group re-starting in person."

All Saints is open from 9.30am – 5pm daily and families are welcome pop down and collect a pack.

For more information call the church office on 01923 266596, or the Vicarage on 01923 903531. For more information about All Saints Kings Langley click here.

All Saints has been operating an 'Open Table' foodbank in the church since June, and it has been well used and generously donated to, with non-perishable and essential items.

Fr. James, Team Vicar of All Saints said: "No-one should be going hungry and the foodbank is there for anyone in need.

"We want people to feel able to come into the church and take the food they need for themselves or for neighbours. Thank you to everyone who is donating."

The foodbank is located at the back of the church under the tower, and is open daily from 9.30am till 5pm.

If you are bringing donations, the volunteers ask that you place these in the pews opposite the foodbank table.

They will then date them and set them out as necessary. Please only bring food which is in date, and they cannot accept perishable items at this time.

If you would like to help with this project please get in touch with the church.

With the support of Kings Langley parish councillor Andrew Hubberstey, St Mary’s church in Apsley have also now opened an outpost of the foodbank.

Cllr Andrew noted that a number of foodbank clients were coming from Apsley and suggested provision would be helpful there too.

Fr James said: "Andrew Hubbersty has been instrumental with setting that up, spreading the world, volunteering and helping to encourage people to donate items.

"There has also been support from Dunelm Mill, who have been accepting donations at a collection point and helping to deliver them to the church."

Rev. Richard Howlett, Team Vicar of St Mary’s - which is in a Team of churches with All Saints - was only too pleased to enable this development.

The foodbank at St Mary’s is available on Thursdays, between 9.30am and 3pm and is located in the church porch facing London Road.

Rev. Richard said: "We pray that God will make these foodbanks places of blessing and hope for all those in need."