Breakthrough Announcement

We are delighted to announce that... West Wilts Vineyard will take on the drop-in centre from Breakthrough Trowbridge in Jan 2023.

Background

A Day Centre has been operating in the town for many years. Breakthrough has been running the current centre since November 2015, supported by local churches and the generosity of individuals and organisations. We are thankful to Barrie and Dorothy Dearlove, who, with the trustees, have led the project so faithfully.

Since West Wilts Vineyard started, compassion ministries have been at the heart of what we do. Over the years, four areas of work have emerged:

  • Storehouse Foodbank

  • Storehouse Re-fresh

  • Storehouse Community Lunch

  • Storehouse Cookery School

But there was one green spot left on the branding, which read “thank you”.


So when we were approached by Breakthrough earlier in the year with the possibility of taking on this established work, it felt like a natural and Holy Spirit inspired venture.

After significant discussion with both sets of trustees, it has been agreed that the centre will move to West Wilts Vineyard. It will be housed at Emmanuel’s Yard under the umbrella of Storehouse. Breakthrough has also agreed to fund* the first year’s running costs which gives us confidence that we can develop the work effectively with dedicated staff time from Jill Neighbour and Tim Rouse and with the transfer of Breakthroughs volunteers and our existing Storehouse team. There has been such clear leading at each step, including at their recent AGM, where I shared a few thoughts and concluded with verses from Isaiah 61. These were the same verses that had inspired Barrie as he prepared to take on the project back in 2015. Our heart is to:

  • proclaim the good news of Jesus

  • bind up the brokenhearted

  • proclaim freedom for captives and

  • release from darkness for the prisoners.

Isaiah 61 continues:

They will be called oaks of righteousness… They will rebuild…

Those whose lives have been transformed, they will go on to transform the world. This is our prayer.

This new venture will be called - Nexus, which means to connect to two more things or a focal point. People may be homeless, vulnerable, or need company. We want to provide a safe space where everyone can take refuge from the storms of life and make new connections. Nexus will be open at Emmanuel’s Yard on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Please pray

  • Give thanks and honour the Breakthrough Team.

  • For Jill Neighbour (lead) and Tim Rouse as they step up.

  • For all the volunteers.

  • For the practical work that needs to take place before January.

  • For the clients (many of whom we already know).

Isaiah 61:3–4 (NIV):

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the Lord

for the display of his splendour.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated;

they will renew the ruined cities

that have been devastated for generations.

*Funding - West Wilts Vineyard is a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) that oversees Storehouse. Any money given to the Storehouse is placed in a restricted fund for the exclusive use of the work of the Storehouse.