Forest Gate project opens up opportunities

St Mark's Youth and Community Project run by St Mark's church in Forest Gate works with young people to improve their life chances.

Key issues include poor transport links, drug abuse and young people 'hanging around'.

The project aims to bring members of the community together and prevent social exclusion by supporting young mums and people who are not in employment, education or training, as well as providing English conversation classes, youth drop-ins, a drama club, a lunch club and an exercise group for older people.

The Church Urban Fund has contributed towards the salary of the youth and community worker, who develops the church's services to the community.

“Having this church and project makes a huge difference to the community. It is a non-judgemental place where everybody can be involved. People can meet and talk, whatever their background is – it's a focal point of the community and I can't speak highly enough of the work they do.”– Richard Marder, whose young son and attends the toddler group:

“We want people of different cultures and religions to respect each other. Together we can provide for the needs of the community.”– Revd Peter Stowe, Vicar of St Mark's.

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