St Andrew’s Parish Church in Holt has set up a charitable fund to help local people who may be struggling to meet the increasing cost of living.
The fund has been set up in response to the cost of living crisis and unprecedented rise in energy costs. It will initially operate for two years and will be overseen by the trustees (Parochial Church Council) of St Andrew’s Church but operated by a group of local people including representatives from Holt Town Council, the Primary School, Rotary Club, Methodist Church, Holt Neighbourhood Housing Association and The Venue (Holt Community Centre).
An appeal was launched in September to raise money for the fund. Local people are invited to contribute what they can, either as a one-off payment or where able, an annual or regular payment for each of the two years. Around £18000 has already been raised.
This fund is open to any resident living within the Parish of Holt with High Kelling and those families whose children attend Holt Primary School who are experiencing a financial crisis.
The Revd Canon Howard Stoker, Rector of Holt with High Kelling said: “It is a Gospel imperative to help people in need, and faced with a growing number of people experiencing a financial crisis, doing nothing was not an option. The seed for the Energy Support Fund was sown by a member of the congregation and with the support of the PCC, it has grown to include the support of a number of community groups and organisations, including the Holt Town Council.
The Church is not a self-preservation society, or an exclusive club, and we feel quite strongly that the Parish Church is here to serve all the people of our community. We are committed to witnessing the love of God in Christ Jesus, by putting our faith into action. The Community Support fund not only demonstrates that the Church cares but more importantly it helps those in desperate need.”
If you need to apply for assistance you will be able to contact the North Norfolk Foodbank on 07826 376343 or by email at [email protected]. They will then approach the Community Fund for support. Referrals may also be received from the North Norfolk District Council Help Hub and the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.
This story is based on an article published by the Diocese of Norwich.
The image of Holt church is courtesy of Simon Knott at norfolkchurches.co.uk
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Tony Rothe, 24/11/2022
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