Eglise Armée des Vainqueurs

A Safe and Friendly Place for Everyone

Since 2022, our group, Eglise Armée des Vainqueurs (Church Army of the Victorious), has been running a project to help people who feel lonely or are struggling with their wellbeing. We want everyone to feel safe, welcome, and supported.

Thanks to funding from the Citizen Local Fund, we’ve been able to offer drinks and snacks at every session. This means people can relax, chat, and take part without worrying about being hungry. We support many people, including parents of children with additional needs, by giving them helpful information and showing them where to get more support.

The best part of this project has been watching people grow in confidence, especially those over 60. It’s been amazing to see them making new friends and smiling more.

We’ve also helped people who speak little or no English. We assist them with filling in forms, applying for benefits, and understanding important information. Our space is warm and welcoming, where people can meet others, share their stories, and feel part of the community.

One lovely story is about a man who was walking past our building. He saw people inside and wanted to know what was happening. He decided to come in—and he was greeted with a big smile and open arms. He felt so welcome that he came back the next week, and he’s been coming ever since!

Looking ahead, we hope to keep going by finding more funding and building strong partnerships. This project has made a real difference. It has helped reduce loneliness and shown people where to find help with their mental health. We are proud to be part of a stronger, more connected community.