St Barnabas Church in Clarksfield has been honoured with the prestigious King's Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) in recognition of its transformative community project, ‘Barnabas Thrive’. Often described as the MBE for organisations dedicated to volunteer-led community service, the KAVS award celebrates the efforts of those who work to improve the lives of local communities.
Barnabas Thrive operates in the Clarksfield area of Oldham, offering a range of initiatives designed to uplift and support the community. The project focuses on four key areas:
Food Thrive – A thriving community-led food pantry which serves up to 250 local residents each week, helping to tackle food poverty and the higher cost of living.
Holiday Thrive – Addressing the issue of ‘holiday hunger’, this programme provides essential meals and activities for children and their families during school breaks, offering a welcoming space for everyone who walks through the door.
Women Thrive – A supportive and safe space where local women come together to connect, share experiences, and support one another. The group is peer-led, ensuring it is shaped by the needs of those who attend.
Teen Thrive – A small but impactful free gym for young people with mental health challenges, providing a healthy outlet and sense of community. This space is also open to the wider public, promoting physical and mental well-being for all.
In addition to these programmes, the church and its community halls also serve as hubs for a wide range of activities that create connection and mutual support.
The Barnabas Thrive project is made possible thanks to strong partnerships with organisations such as the National Lottery, Fareshare, Action Together, Oldham Council, and various local community groups. This award is a testament to the incredible work being done by volunteers and partners, whose dedication makes Barnabas Thrive a vital resource for the Clarksfield community. Congratulations to St Barnabas Church and everyone involved in the Barnabas Thrive project for this amazing achievement!
Discover more about the support offered by Barnabas Thrive here.
Feeling inspired to create something similar at your own church? Visit our Council for Social Aid page to explore available funding opportunities.