Starz

Starz is a project which runs each week on the Larches estate. It is an event held in a local school hall. It was originally launched back in April 2004 with only a handful of children and few brave volunteers. Now it has developed into a large youth project. It has grown so large that it became necessary to create a second "Starz" group. These two projects run in conjunction with each other each week.

The first Starz group is for primary school children aged from seven to eleven years old. This group is led by a dedicated team of full and part time Luv Preston volunteers, and the aim is to provide a fun and exciting programme which is accessible and enjoyable for primary school children.

The second Starz group is for secondary school children in Years' seven and eight of school (typically aged between eleven and fourteen years old). This group is led by another team of full and part time Luv Preston volunteers. Each session is pitched in a way that is relevant to teenagers and young people. The aim is to give them a great place to hang-out and socialise and build relationships. It has become so successful that there are new plans a foot to commence detached youth work (which means doing youth work on the streets instead of "attached" to a venue) with the secondary school kids.

Just 4 You

Just 4U is a project which is run from inner-City Preston each week. It began over four years ago, when a team of people from the freedomcentre began to help a local soup kitchen on Monday nights. Now it has grown and developed into the Just 4U project. It works with people who are homeless, or of limited means. Each week people from all backgrounds are welcomed to Just 4U. They are all offered a meal, shelter and friendship. The aim is to provide food, clothes and anything else (even sleeping bags for those who want to sleep outside!) to those who need it.

Lush

Lush is a series of workshops delivered to Year 6 girls, it's primary aim is to prepare them for making the transition from year 6 into Secondary School. The workshops are holistic in nature, covering topics such as bullying, self believe, friendships and the power of words. Lush uses a variety of methods to deliver the workshops, including drama and art. Lush has been successfully running in Ashton Primary School since Sept. 2009 and in the future we hope to expand the programme into other primary schools in the city.

Community Bus

We are currently in the process of doing work on a bus that was donated to us. We will work with vulnerable children and families, youth at risk of offending and the homless community and aim to be a mobile resource to provide practical care e.g. food and clothing, give advice, information and support and create a safe and constructive place for young peple to socialise.

Sunday Afternoon Football

Sunday Afternoon Football (S.A.F) is an all-boys youth project which runs every week on the Savick estate. The aim of S.A.F is to build relationships and mentor secondary school boys on the estate. This is done through organised football training, matches and other events. Each week the boys that attend are given the chance to participate in a structured football match, with a chance to win the all important "man-of-the-match" prize. Throughout the session the Luv Preston volunteers who run the project will also "touch-base" with the boys, listen to their interests and concerns and provide friendship and support wherever possible.

The Flying Mircrowave

The flying microwave is a project designed to meet the needs of the local community in a practical way. Contact is made with people in the local community to identify household needs, the 'freedomcentre' church then supplies what it can to the community free of charge. The aim is to love and serve people in a practical way and provide a catalyst for generosity within the church.