Our History
In November 2004, a group of volunteers from different churches came together to serve a weekly free meal to those who needed it. This was funded by charitable giving and supported by Lancaster Free Methodist Church (now renamed Hope Church). From November 2004 to March 2008 over 2,300 free meals were served to approximately 20 to 30 guests each week. It was a challenging time and, in many ways a ‘baptism of fire’ but the foundational principles were laid: the importance of listening and prayer, building relationships, providing hospitality (for it is ‘more than a cup of tea’) and personal testimony of Jesus. Our aim was to serve with integrity and honour our guests, many of whom were struggling with the issues of addiction, homelessness, broken relationships and rejection, and poor mental and physical health.
Recognising that much more was needed, The Olive Branch became a registered charity in September 2006. Charitable status enabled access to funding, enhanced our credibility and prepared for future growth.
Our vision was expanding. There was insufficient time at the weekly shared meal to befriend and offer further help to our guests. So, in 2007, the decision was taken to raise sufficient funds to open a support centre. The cost of the first year of operation was estimated at £12,000. Various premises were considered and in the spring of 2008 the target had been reached. Negotiations to rent 22 Thurnham Street were begun and our first support centre was ready for opening in December 2008. A referral-based food bank service was established, responding to the needs of our guests, and a Project Manager recruited. (A step of faith as we only had sufficient funds to cover 2 month’s salary).
In August 2011, we signed a 3 year tenancy agreement and moved into 1 Westbourne Road. The demand for our services continued to expand. An Assistant Project Manager was recruited in spring 2018. With growing need in our community and more people seeking our help we have outgrown the physical limitations of our present location. We are excited to see where and what is the next step of our journey and how it will enable us to better help our guests.
It has been a challenging journey ‘walking by faith and not by sight’ but God has given amazing promises along the way. We did not ‘despise the day of small beginnings’ and have seen overflowing provision. God has a big vision and we want to continue partnering with Him in response to the Isaiah 61 vision ‘to proclaim the good news to the prisoners and set the captives free’.