Love Your Neighbour

2912 Children through our streams

140 People receiving a weekly shop

14 Parents completed Kids Matter course

147 Debts relieved

8 People each week attending English classes

63k Meals provided

‘The more we draw close to God, the more we are convicted to love others’

We long to see social transformation through people helped, communities strengthened, and a fresh movement of practical love for our neighbours. We are the Birmingham hub of ‘Love Your Neighbour’, part of the national network, and operate by providing services that meet crisis, cause, or care needs. We have grown, and new roles have been filled in the department, Head of Love Your Neighbour, SEND and Inclusion Coordinator and a Refugee Hub Manager, all of which have allowed us to expand our provision in breadth and depth. At Gas Street, we strongly believe that the more we draw close to God, the more we are convicted to love others.

In late 2022, The Guardian newspaper wrote an article about our work as a Warm Hub, and in early 2023 we had the BBC filming a small segment about the energy crisis for

The One Show. Our Head of Love Your Neighbour, went to the House of Commons in January to an event Love Your Neighbour organised and shared a little about what we’re up to in Birmingham. We are developing links within the city through partnerships with the council, Birmingham’s Children’s Trust and other charities.

“Before discovering this place, I was living pay cheque to pay cheque and my mental health was atrocious. I feel like I’ve met family here; I’ve come home.” — Linda

“I just wanted to thank the amazing staff and volunteers who have taken the time to provide outstanding care for our children over the summer holidays at GS Kids Summer Club. As a foster carer, you have provided me some respite these past few weeks, and I am so grateful. My kids have thoroughly enjoyed themselves! Thank you for keeping them safe, ensuring they have eaten, planning enjoyable activities and going over and beyond! You guys are a true blessing!” — Anonymous

Streams

Foodbank — Delivering food parcels to those in need.

The Community Shop A subsidised grocery experience.

Cause — Identifying and tackling causes of poverty.

Christians Against Poverty — Providing regulated support for those in debt to become debt free.

English Conversations

Classes — Free classes to enable anyone to improve their English.

Care — community-based support providing wraparound care.

Craft Club — a space for adults to come and talk, build friendships, and make crafts.

Sensory Story Zone — sensory sessions for children with neurodiversity.

Time Out for Parents — parenting course for parenting children with SEND.

Kids Matter — parenting course for those with kids under 10 to build support and community.

Explorers — exploring faith with adults with learning disabilities.

Truth Be Told — taking babies and toddlers into a care home to create intergenerational friendships.

Community Choir — open to all and a chance to build friendships and decrease isolation.

Stay & Play — open to all parents with preschool-aged children to socialise and build community.

Kids Club — holiday clubs for kids in our community.

Counselling — providing regulated support for people with trained counsellors, free of charge.

Bright Music & Bright

Play — sensory classes for children and babies.

Detached Youth Work

— providing a mentoring program at Birmingham City Academy.