Whilst Christchurch may be perceived to be a wealthy area, there are significant needs affecting people of all ages. Two areas in Christchurch in the top 20% most deprived areas nationally for multiple deprivation, one also falls into the top 20% of most deprived families affecting children aged 0-15 years.
We believe that as Christians we need to ‘stand in the gap’ for those in our community who are in crisis or struggling, either mentally, physically, spiritually, socially or financially, and need a safe environment.
Christchurch Foodbank+ statistics show a steep increase in demand as families continue to struggle to cope with rising costs of living, changes to the benefit system, rising interest rates and energy costs all eroding incomes which are failing to keep up.
Therefore, supporting the next generation is one of our key concerns. There are increasing social, media, family and peer pressures, and county lines which can be devastating for young people with increasing mental health problems, and family and social disruption.
For older folk, local figures for 2021 show well above average numbers of people aged 60+ years at 34.8% (or 22% over 70 years) for Christchurch alone. Alzheimer’s Research UK (2024) also report that Christchurch has the highest prevalence of dementia per head of population in the country. The effects of social isolation, lockdowns and shielding have affected this demographic group more than most, and the ageing population continues to increase.
Sadly depression and anxiety prevalence across Dorset has been increasing, with the latest estimates at 12.8% of adults. Several indicators relating to mental health are worse than the national average in the BCP area, including emergency hospital admissions for self-harm and suicide rates. Indeed 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year (e.g. anxiety or depression).
The question we have to ask is, “How can we stand in the gap? How can we help to meet the needs of those around us in our community?”