A CHURCH is offering food, fun and games to families struggling with the cost of living crisis over the school summer holidays.
The All Saints Family Café was first launched two years ago at the church in Grove Road, Fishponds, funded from local Holiday Activities and Food programme championed by England footballer Marcus Rashford.
It offers free games, drama, sport, crafts and cooking activities, along with a meal, to more than 150 parents and children.
The family cafe opens every Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm to 5.30pm in each school holiday week.
Project coordinator Amy Goodwin said: “In a typical session we have about 20 to 30 children, who join in with a range of sports and games to keep active, plus arts and crafts to spark creativity.
“Everyone gets involved in preparing an element of their tea, for example making a crumble for the family, or making their own pizza or creating their own pasta pot.
“Towards the end of the session we all eat together, chatting about the food we have made and coming up with ideas of what we can do at the next session.
“It’s a great opportunity to eat together as a family – something that we don’t always have the time or space to do at home.
“Over the past two years, the rising costs of living has put extra pressure on us all, particularly for local families who are on low income or rely on free school meals, or currently seeking asylum.
“Local residents volunteer their time and skills to create a creative, active, friendly and inclusive environment.
“Over the two years, we have seen regular families come, making friends with one another and getting involved in the running and development of the Family Cafe.”
Families who would like to come to the cafe, volunteers and donors can contact Amy to find out more at allsaintsfamilycafe@gmail.com or find the cafe on Facebook and Instagram @allsaintsfamilycafe.