Hardships - in one form or another - are a fact of life. Through its charitable initiatives, St Mark's Church in Bredbury tries to address some of them.

If you are feeling hungry or lonely, if you are worried about your economic condition, if you are looking to do some exercise; St Mark's might be able to help. 

This Church hosts a wide range of events for residents of Bredbury, Romiley, and beyond - from five-a-side football to free hot meals. 

"As a church community, we do try and tick every box", says Andy, the church vicar. Certainly, there is something for people of every age and background at St Mark's. 

The recent 'Communi-tea' initiative, for example, offers a free hot meal for all visitors every Tuesday. It is described as "a safe place where people can build friendships, be listened to, and enjoy conversation over a hot meal". 

As Andy's wife Ruth says: "It's a massively broad demographic. There's all these nice little connections that go on - everybody looks out for one another. Community cohesion underpins everything we do."

You can find St Mark's church in Bredbury, near the intersection of Stockport Road and Redhouse Lane (Image - Google)

Andy adds: "St Mark's church congregation is full of compassionate people who want to reach out and help wherever possible."

This much is also evident in the St Mark's foodbank, which has given out 13 tonnes of food over 10 years. 

As Andy says: "We want to go beyond just being a handout; we want to get involvement from those coming along, as well. 

"With the foodbank [...] we want to signpost and help identify what the deeper issues are which are forcing people to chronically use foodbanks."

Nor is this the only service for people experiencing financial hardship. As Ruth says: "We also offer life skills courses, which help people to budget and make their money go further. 

"We try and run two to three courses per year - they last eight to 10 weeks. We also look at all kinds of issues that affect people beyond financial things; issues to do with relationships, mental health stuff."

Much of St Mark's support comes from the Co-op. As well as monetary support through the Co-op Local Community Fund, St Mark's also receives foodbank items and ingredients from the Co-op - Mark and Ruth go to the Romiley branch every day to pick up what would otherwise have been wasted.

As Mark explains: "It's food that would have been wasted anyway, and we're re-utilising it and benefiting the community. It's not only a free meal - it's also saving food waste."

If you'd like to visit any of St Mark's events, find more information HERE.

When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and the Co-op gives the same to local communities.

You can become a Co-op Member today online or in-store.

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