Swaythling Parish is a diverse Anglican parish on the edge of Southampton, comprising St Alban's and St Mary's churches and including 2 housing estates, many HMOs, a high percentage of social housing and student accommodation. St Albans church seeks to be a part of and respond to, it's local community, offering a range of activities during the week as well as welcoming, inclusive spaces for worship each Sunday. Every Thursday we are open for a community drop in with a café style space and free food for those who need it, as well as debt advice and signposting to other services. There are also crafternoons, youth events, Messy Church and school holiday activities which provide free activities and food for local families. The Parish is part of the Inclusive Church network. Over the last few years, the number of people engaging with the various activities has increased and more and more people are seeing the church as a place they can come and be themselves - we have seen relationships fostered, mental health needs supported and loneliness combatted. Our volunteer teams have also grown with many being supported to take on roles which have increased their confidence and opportunities.
Sunday services - different styles for different people at different times
Thursdays Together - weekly community drop in café with free food available to take away, debt advice and signposting to other services
Crafternoons - space to meet others, craft and catch up
Youth events - regular opportunities for local young people to have somewhere safe to hang out and have fun
Messy Church - a fun, family friendly way for people to explore issues of faith in a relaxed atmosphere
Holiday activities - school holiday activities and a hot meal for local families
Regular activities connecting with local primary and secondary schools to build relationships