New funding extends community hub's debt advice 

A community hub based at a Baptist church in Chester has increased its support to local people grappling with the cost-of-living crisis 

The Crossroads Community Hub (CC Hub CIC) at Hoole Baptist Church (HBC) can now offer an extra two days a week of debt advice and budgeting support following the award of £12,030 from the Severn Trent Community Fund.

The Hub has been running since 2020 and is staffed by three part time staff and 35 volunteers. It was founded by HBC during the Coronavirus pandemic by delivering emergency food parcels to those in need. 

Since then it has grown to support a range of services aimed at helping local communities. 

One of these is a debt advisor and empowerment worker, in partnership with the St Mark's Debt Advice Centre. This funding award means he is available for two extra days a week.

The Severn Trent Community Fund is the funding arm of the Severn Trent water company, and awards grant money to improve the three elements of community wellbeing - people, places and environment.  

Andy Glover, HBC minister and one of the directors of the CC Hub CIC, said, 'We’re delighted that the Severn Trent Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. 

'We’re thankful to the Severn Trent Customer Panel for selecting us for funding so that we’ll be able to extend the hours of our Debt Advice and Empowerment Worker.  

'This is important because during our pilot scheme and our findings from these past six months, it’s clear that there is a substantial need for expanded debt advice services across Chester.'

Jade Gough, Severn Trent Community Fund officer, added, 'Crossroads Community Hub carries out fantastic work that is very much needed in the current climate with people struggling and looking for support and advice.

'We are thrilled that this funding will be used to make sure that their debt advisor and empowerment worker is available for more days and will be able to help more people in Chester.'

The hub also runs projects like the Greenway Grocer, delivering affordable fruit and vegetables by bike along Chester’s Greenway cycle path.



The hub's Meeting Place Cafe (pictured) offers a warm space where visitors can enjoy hot drinks, connect with others, and access support services. Open multiple days a week, it also functions as part of the Warm Welcome campaign, providing a safe, welcoming environment, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis.

In addition to local support, Crossroads assists refugees and asylum seekers from various nationalities, helping over 125 people in the past year alone. With ongoing challenges such as housing, benefits access, and language barriers, the hub works alongside partners like Refugee Assist and CHAWREC (Cheshire Halton & Warrington Race & Equality Centre) to offer practical support and a sense of community.

Andy added, 'Through its varied initiatives, Crossroads Community Hub continues to serve individuals and families in Chester, providing food, friendship, and hope to those facing hardship.'