Struggling parents and their young children are turning their lives around, thanks to the work of Exeter Baptists and a grant from Baptist Insurance.

Exwick Community Church teamed up with the city’s YMCA to create ‘Parent Point’ to help mums and dads navigate the stresses and strains of family life, with advice and help on raising youngsters and running a home against a backdrop of the Christian message.

It was made possible, in part, by a £5,000 donation from the Baptist Insurance Grants Programme, where we reinvest all available profits back into the Baptist family.

Church member Debbie Carter, who helps to run the scheme, said it had helped to put ‘fun and hope’ into people’s lives.

‘It started during the Covid lockdowns,’ said Debbie. ‘Those were very dark days, with people confined to their homes, and loneliness and despair were rife. You had mothers who had given birth and received very little of the support you’d normally expect, along with wider problems like domestic abuse, drug addiction, and unemployment.

‘We decided we had to do something to help, and so we began to hold weekly sessions where we’d cover everything from how to build and maintain a strong family, and how to show your children love and affection, to more practical advice on cooking and budgeting.

‘I can think of one young single mum who literally never smiled, and whose two children were struggling with their health and their school attendance. Parent Point has given her confidence, the children are blossoming, and she’s always smiling now.

‘She’s also become a regular at Messy Church, mirroring the knock-on effect in the community. We do stress the good news and our faith a lot, and we have baptisms happening and new people turning up to church all the time – I think folk are desperate for hope and acceptance in their lives, and people to care for and about them.’

Three years after Parent Point began, the church applied for help from the Baptist Insurance grant-giving programme, which gives away many tens of thousands of pounds each year to deserving causes.

Exwick’s £5,000 has helped with catering costs, IT, staffing, venue hire, and more, ensuring that the programme continues.

‘We’re so grateful to Baptist Insurance,’ said Debbie. ‘It’s allowed us to keep the project running, and I would really encourage other churches to apply – it’s a very simple process, and the money is there to help you make a difference in your own communities.’

Learn more about how your church or organisation could make a successful grant application.