Reliance Bank proudly funded Melton Vineyard who help people struggling to survive on a very low income

Background

Melton Vineyard is a warm and welcoming Christian church.  Their venue is called the Hope Centre which is located right in the heart of Melton Mowbray.  Melton and the surrounding area have some of the lowest levels of social mobility in the UK. This means that many of the residents are in low paid employment for much of their life. For that reason, The Hope Centre provides several facilities, some for the specific needs of these low-income individuals and families and some for any residents wanting support, company and friendship.

The Hope Centre Storehouse is a foodbank and drop-in centre. The foodbank supports those who have been referred by a local agency such as the Melton Borough Council or Social Services. Those with a referral select their own food items from a free shop as well as clothing, bedding, baby equipment and small household appliances.

The Storehouse Café is open to all, offering free hot drinks and hot meals to visitors. There is also a shower for rough sleepers. The Hope Centre also provides Breathing Space which is a service that offers a free confidential space for adults and some adults at risk to come and talk to a trained listener about any concerns they may have.

Solution

Reliance Bank provided a loan to Melton Vineyard which enabled them to purchase the old chapel and carry-out major modernisation and refurbishment work that was required to provide services to the community.

Impact

The Hope Centre Café serves roughly 500 free meals each month. And 240 visitors use the Hope Centre for worship and prayer, Breathing Space, Toddler and baby groups, Eve’s (a women’s support group) and meetings and special events each month.

The Hope Centre Storehouse / foodbank provides 230 weekly shopping bags to people who are struggling financially. This is a vital lifeline for those who are most in need, for example, those who are waiting for a benefit payment to arrive or struggling to survive on a very low income.

Testimonial

Neal Swettenham – Senior Pastor at Melton Vineyard commented: “Melton Vineyard church was planted in 2006. When we wanted to buy the old chapel as a base for our work in the community, we approached several banks without much success. That’s when I was introduced to David Price at Reliance Bank who was very helpful through the process and provided the funding that allowed us to buy the old chapel and modernise it to provide the much needed Hope Centre, from which many local people are supported and cared for. We are grateful to Reliance Bank for enabling us to purchase the building and carry out the building works.”