£1m donation that ‘transformed lives’ across York celebrated

St Michael le Belfrey Church in the city centre is marking three years of social action work following the award by an anonymous source in 2021.

Three years ago, the church established a post-pandemic fund, which included a social action programme for York.

St Michael le Belfrey in Minster Yard (Image: Frank Dwyer) Since its foundation, that programme has distributed £200,000 in grants to 49 grassroots communities in York, along with a series of major initiatives.

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Included in these larger projects, a church spokesperson said, were a distribution point for York Foodbank set up at the De Grey Rooms in St Leonard’s Place and an affordable counselling service.

In addition, the launch of the Christian Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, which offers advice to people who are struggling with problem debt has helped people achieve debt-free status and clear nearly £120,000 worth of monies owed, according to the spokesperson.

The programme has also given away £100,000 in grants of up to £5,000 each to over 40 charities across York, working in partnership with Two Ridings Community Foundation.

A further £100,000 has been awarded in amounts of up to £15,000 as a catalyst fund for growth and innovation.

These were awarded to charities working at grassroots and community level across the city of York and surroundings.

The list of charities benefitting from funds includes Transitions CIC which provides equine horse therapy for children disengaged from education, and Chocolate and Co café, which employs ex-offenders and people recovering from addictions.

Other organisations supported were York Vineyard and St Denys Tea and Chat Warm Space, according to the spokesperson.

Alison Dawson, social action programme manager (Image: Supplied) Alison Dawson, Social Action programme manager at St Michael le Belfrey Church, said: “It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the city of York through the programme.

“Over the past three years, we have come a long way and sought to make a lasting impact in the areas of poverty, mental health, and young people and families.

“Stewarding the Post Pandemic Fund to maximise its benefits, we have tried to direct resources to where they were needed most and where they would have the greatest long-term benefit.

“The initiatives we have established are all growing and will continue to support the community way beyond the initial three year period.”