John Milne MP visited St Mark’s Church in Horsham on 21st August to see how it is supporting local families through its Church Family Hub.
St Mark’s Family Hub provides a welcoming space for families facing challenges such as the rising cost of living, mental health pressures, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and social isolation. For many, it offers not just practical support but a place to feel connected, understood and less alone.
Supported by Spurgeons Connect, the initiative equips churches and volunteers to offer practical help and early support within their communities, creating trusted spaces where families can access support before issues escalate.
Services include:
- Weekly family support sessions
- A weekly toddler stay and play group and Baby Café sessions
- A SEND peer support group
- Parenting workshops led by professionals
- Access to counselling support
- Holiday clubs providing activities and meals
- A toy library supporting families experiencing financial hardship
- The Holbrook Heart Café, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation
The St Mark’s Family Hub is helping to build stronger relationships, reduce isolation and support children and families to thrive.
The visit gave the MP the opportunity to meet volunteers and families and hear first-hand about the impact of the Hub and the difference it is making in people’s day-to-day lives. Volunteers are at the heart of the project, creating warm, relational environments where families feel welcomed and supported, and where children can play and learn in a safe environment.
A church leader from St Mark’s said “We’re delighted to welcome John Milne MP to St Mark’s. Our vision is to be a place where families feel known, supported and encouraged. It’s a privilege to see the community coming together at St Mark’s Family Hub and benefiting from our services.”
A spokesperson from Spurgeons added “Churches are uniquely placed within their communities, and through Spurgeons Connect we are able to equip and support volunteers to provide early help in accessible, trusted spaces for families.”
