St Mary’s Church in Lutterworth is celebrating a remarkable year of growth, connection, and compassion through the work of the Churchgate Community Centre, which continues to be a vibrant hub for people aged five to 95.
More than a year on since the building’s renovation and reopening, the Centre is home to a wide range of community groups and activities, including a much-loved Veterans’ Breakfast every Thursday morning, Girl Guides, and Age Concern’s Loneliness Café.
Described as ‘a blessing’ and a ‘much needed’ facility, the church was at the heart of the renovation project, creating a facility for the whole community to use, from recreational clubs and social outreach, to discipleship and children’s and youth groups.
The church itself runs three core projects from the Centre that have become vital lifelines for many local residents. The weekly Soup Kitchen, held every Thursday, provides hot meals and warm conversation for those in need.
The Digital Hub offers guidance on everything from filling in online forms to accessing emails—tackling both digital literacy and digital poverty.
Additionally, the monthly Help Hub brings together essential services such as Platform Housing, Turning Point, and NHS Mental Health support, ensuring that people can access the help they need under one roof.
The Centre also regularly hosts local government and education activities, including Family Liaison sessions, Grant Surgeries, and Alternative Learning Provision, reinforcing its role as a true community cornerstone.
Volunteering continues to thrive at Churchgate, with more than 20 volunteers already signed up to help on Christmas Day for the Open Christmas Lunch, where around 70 people are expected to share a festive meal together rather than spending the day alone.
Adding to the celebrations, Tor Berry, the Church’s Community Development Officer, has recently been awarded the Citizenship Cup in the Harborough District Community Awards.
This honour recognises Tor’s exceptional contribution to community life - building partnerships, fostering belonging, and sharing her professional fundraising expertise to help others.
Alongside her work at the Centre, Tor also works full-time for Headway Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, and has recently begun an MSc in Systems Thinking to deepen her impact and embed her learning in both her Christian values and her ongoing commitment to community development.
Speaking on behalf of the church in Lutterworth, Revd Nigel Byard said: “The Churchgate Community Centre embodies what it means to live out faith in action—creating a space where everyone belongs, where help is given freely, and where the community can truly thrive.
“We are immensely proud of all that has been achieved this year and of Tor’s well-deserved recognition.”