When David and Amanda (not their real names) walked into Broadmead Community Church in Northampton, they were unemployed, isolated, and battling depression.
Community pastor Mary Ngatia was there to welcome them.
Mary's approach centres on connecting people with community activities that can reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing. Through these relationships and local connections, she was able to support David and Amanda on their journey.
The couple began attending the church’s midweek wellbeing café, where they found friendship through arts, crafts, and conversation. The change was profound: Amanda has since been baptised, and they both now attend church regularly.
But their story is just one of many.
Thanks, in part, to a £10,000 grant from Baptist Insurance, the church has been able to fund Mary's role, helping to support work that has transformed lives across the town. Her outreach has enabled people to find work, reconnect with their communities, and rebuild their lives after prison. Through partnerships with local authorities, charities, and the police, Mary has helped create a vital support network for those facing hardship, from providing assistance with winter heating costs to guiding young people towards faith.
In one year alone, her work with Broadmead’s youth pastor led to fifteen young people coming to faith.
“To get a significant amount of money donated by Baptist Insurance was wonderful, and we’re very grateful. I wasn’t actually aware of the availability of the grants until a newsletter arrived in the office. The process of applying was simple and quick, and I would wholeheartedly encourage others to apply.”
“It’s great to hear that Broadmead is achieving such excellent results. We’re far more than just another insurance company, and it’s gratifying to have been able to help Mary to help others in this way.”