Peasedown St John Methodist Church in Bath is celebrating receiving £1,500 as part of specialist insurer Methodist Insurance’s 150th anniversary.

To celebrate the milestone, the oldest insurance company in the country launched its Celebration Awards to give a total of £22,500 to 15 Methodist Churches and the communities they serve.

Churches were asked to explain how they would use the funding to support their church’s work and how it will benefit the local community. Hundreds of entries were submitted to the competition, demonstrating how Methodist Churches are providing vital support to communities struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis while still recovering from the impact of the pandemic.

Peasedown St John Methodist Church runs the popular ‘Seeds’ toddler group, catering to around 30 families a week. The pandemic enforced lockdowns had a major impact on young families, with the after effects still being felt today - making the work the church does more important than ever.

Church member Jill Suter said: “I was staggered when I heard that we had won, but it’s fabulous news and will really help us going forward.

“The lockdowns really increased the strain on young families and although they have now ended, for some they have been replaced by the worry of how to make ends meet.

“The funding will mean our Children and Family Worker who works alongside the church volunteers at Seeds can undertake training as a parenting course facilitator so that she can run a course to help families and train others.”

Michael Angell, chief executive at Methodist Insurance, said: “It’s both humbling and deeply impressive that we had so many amazing entries showcasing the work of the Methodist Church.

“Congratulations to Peasedown St John Methodist Church on their win and I am sure they will put the £1,500 award to good use and continue their outstanding work.”