The Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford has called for individuals and local churches to donate to his charity’s Lent Appeal, to address the growing need across our communities.
The Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund (BGCF) provides grants to local projects run by parishes or church-linked organisations, which help people facing financial hardship and other vulnerabilities including loneliness and disability.
The appeal is being launched on the first day of Lent, which is a period of reflection, prayer, self-discipline and generosity, marking the 40 days and 40 nights that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. Many Christians as well as people without a faith choose to give up something they enjoy like chocolate or cakes, as a test of self-discipline. This year, the charity is encouraging people to donate the money including what they would spend on these luxuries, to help boost the grant funding awarded by the BGCF.
Last year, the Fund raised £24,000, which enabled 16 grants to support community projects that are providing meals for vulnerable families, hosting cafes for those who are isolated, as well as funding youth and community work.
Projects that received grants last year include St Paul’s Dorking Community Hub which runs a weekly welcome café and community meal to connect people who are socially isolated, and St John’s Church Stoke, who provide meals to deprived families during the school holidays.
The charity is hoping to raise much more this year as the need continues to grow. Recent figures show that levels of deprivation remain high post-pandemic, with the percentage of children in Surrey schools eligible for free school meals increasing by over 70 per cent in the last five years. According to extensive research by the National Churches Trust, churches now contribute over £55 billion of social and economic value to the UK each year.
Launching the Lent Appeal, Bishop Andrew said: “By donating to the Fund, you are extending Christ’s love to some of the most disadvantaged in our diocese, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities. Even a small gift can make a big difference, offering dignity, hope, and a brighter future.
“We welcome donations from individuals and churches. It is so important that we all make a special effort this Lent to remember those less fortunate than ourselves."
PLEASE DONATE TO THE LENT APPEAL