About St Mary’s Church, Widnes

St Mary’s Church serves one of the most deprived parishes in the country, ranking 59 out of 12,178 nationally for overall deprivation and 53 for child poverty. Despite significant financial and building challenges, the church is committed to becoming a hub for the local community — offering connection, compassion, and practical support to those most in need.

Recent initiatives include weekly coffee mornings and free family movie nights, which have already begun to build relationships and reduce isolation. The church’s vision is to expand these efforts and provide meaningful opportunities for children, families, and older residents.

The Project: Opportunities for Children and Young People

With support from Halton Housing’s 20 for 20 campaign, St Mary’s Church will purchase essential equipment to help deliver community meals and activity clubs. The funding will be used to buy crockery, cutlery, tablecloths, and games for children’s holiday clubs and adult coffee mornings — enabling the church to host inclusive events that bring people together and offer support in a warm, welcoming environment.

Community Impact

This project will benefit residents of West Bank, with a primary focus on children and young people, while also supporting older adults who may be experiencing loneliness or hardship. By creating a space where people can share meals, engage in activities, and build relationships, St Mary’s aims to foster a stronger, more connected community.

The church is already seeing the impact of its efforts — with over 60 attendees at its recent movie night — and is eager to grow its reach and deepen its support.

Working Together with Halton Housing

St Mary’s Church is keen to partner with Halton Housing to serve local residents more effectively. With shared insight into the challenges facing the community, the church hopes to collaborate on initiatives that address poverty, isolation, and social exclusion — ensuring that no one is left behind.

Find out more at achurchnearyou.com/church/15305
Follow them on social media: Facebook: /stmaryswb | Twitter: @StMarysWidnes