A group of churches in the Yorkshire Dales have hit on an innovative idea for the summer to help adults facing loneliness and isolation in rural areas.
Unusually, ‘Staycation’ is a holiday club for adults that will take place between August 7 and 10. It’s a joint project between the parishes of Easby, Skeeby, Brompton-on- Swale and Bolton-on-Swale and the parish of Catterick with Tunstall. The holiday club aims to help those who face the challenge of lack of mobility, loneliness and isolation which can exist within rural communities, particularly over the summer hoilidays as others take a break.
Activities on offer will include outings, games, refreshments, lunch and conversation. Staycation is free for those attending and supported by grants and the generosity of local businesses and community groups.
Vicar of Catterick with Tunstall, Lindsay Southern, says that the project is the result of a year long Christian discipleship group, ‘Step-Up’: “It is being co-ordinated by this year's ‘STEP-UP’ group (St Paulinus Hub) as part of their answer to the STEP UP questions ‘ What is God saying?’ and ‘What are we going to do about it?’” Lindsay with the Revd Yvonne Callaghan, Vicar of Easby, Skeeby, Brompton-on- Swale and Bolton-on-Swale have held joint events before, most recently the baptism of ten parishioners in the waters of the River Swale last month.
Staycation will be held at St Paul’s Church, Brompton on Swale at 10.30am from Monday 7 August until Thursday 10 August. There’s more information by calling 01748 811830 or 01748 811748