Neighbourhood
Community Connections
City Life Church provides practical support and care in Southampton and beyond, reaching out to those not necessarily connected to a church. As a designated City of Sanctuary, we, alongside other local groups, are committed to welcoming and supporting individuals who have come from overseas, whether for education, work, or as refugees or asylum seekers. We are equally dedicated to supporting those who are marginalised and in vulnerable situations, including providing chaplaincy and outreach services for women selling sex on the streets, and those who find themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness, helping them secure accommodation.
Everyone is welcome to be part of this work, whether you’re a member of a Church Community, live locally in Southampton, or simply want to get involved. Discover the ways we build community below, and stay updated with our latest Community Connections Updates.
Homelessness
Hope into Action: Southampton
Hope into Action: Southampton is dedicated to ending homelessness by providing homes for the homeless and vulnerably housed. Our staff and volunteers empower tenants to break the cycle of homelessness for good. Visit our project page to learn more:
Winter Beds
Volunteers from City Life Church and other local churches collaborate to provide overnight accommodation and meals for those sleeping rough in our city during the coldest months. Visit our project page to learn more:
Church Rent Deposit Scheme
The Southampton Church Rent Deposit Scheme is designed to assist individuals on low income or receiving welfare benefits who require financial support to access privately rented accommodation in the City of Southampton.
All referrals must be made by a recognised agency. Please find the referral form below:
Contact: rentdeposit@citylife.org.uk
Soup Run
Every Friday night, teams from City Life Church distribute fresh food, hot drinks, and clothing to the homeless and vulnerable living on the streets of our community. With four teams working in rotation, we provide consistent, on-going support to those in need. If you would like to contribute to the Soup Run, either financially or through prayer, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Chaplaincy
Amber Chaplains
Amber Chaplains is a chaplaincy and outreach service providing non-judgemental care, hope and support to women selling sex on the streets of Southampton. These women are some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged in our city and face violence, exploitation, addiction, unstable housing, food poverty and poor physical and mental health. Visit our project page to learn more:
Chaplaincy in Schools
City Life Church offers chaplaincy support to staff at Bassett Green Primary School and collaborates in community development alongside Oasis Community Learning's Community Hubs in the east and west of the city.
Rose Road Association
City Life Church offers chaplaincy support to the Rose Road Association, a charity that serves over 300 children and young adults with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and/or autism. Learn more:
Contact: chaplaincy@lovesouthampton.org.uk
Overseas Welcome
CLEAR
CLEAR (City Life Education and Action for Refugees) is a project that helps refugees with advice, free English classes, and practical support with immigration, benefits, housing, or getting a job. Learn more:
Contact: reception@clearproject.org.uk
Hong Kong Welcome
Hong Kong Welcome exists to welcome and support new residents from Hong Kong to the South East of England. We have partnered with HongKongers in Britain, the Citizens Advice Bureau, and other local voluntary, community, and social enterprises to ensure our welcome is as warm and helpful as possible. Learn more:
Contact: hello@hkwelcome.org
EU Welcome
EU Welcome offers assistance and support to migrants in the Southampton area from the EU and other European countries. Our philosophy is to empower our clients to help themselves, aiming to foster a community where EU migrants are an integral and well-integrated part of Southampton society. Learn more:
SO Welcome
City Life Church is proud to have established a Community Sponsorship home in Southampton, which is part of a national refugee resettlement program. This initiative allows us to not only welcome a refugee family into our local area but also to support them as they rebuild their lives in the UK. To enhance our efforts, we have formed partnerships with Southampton City Council, Caritas, and ResetUK, ensuring a support network for the families we assist.
Homes for Ukraine
CLEAR Project, in collaboration with Advice in Southampton's Citizens Advice service, offers comprehensive support to guests under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme within the Southampton City Council region. Our services include regular welfare visits throughout the duration of the sponsorship, conducted both at home and in our offices. If you require assistance or further information, please get in touch.
Contact: HFU@sotoncab.org.uk
Overseas Trips
Thailand
City Life Church organises an annual two-week trip to Thailand to support the work of Hands. This organisation serves communities in Northern Thailand, where many face challenges due to poverty, exploitation, conflict, and disaster. Learn more:
Contact: debbie@citylife.org.uk
India
City Life Church organises an annual two-week trip to India, supporting several charitable projects aimed at helping those affected by poverty, displacement, exploitation, and disease. If you’re interested in learning more about this transformative experience or wish to get involved, please reach out to Dan.
Contact: danp@citylife.org.uk
Pakistan
City Life Church leads transformative trips to Pakistan, focusing on empowering local churches, schools, orphanages, and community initiatives. These efforts aim to bring lasting change to communities, enhancing the lives of its residents through active engagement and support. Get in touch to learn more.
Sri Lanka
City Life Church organises annual trips to Sri Lanka to collaborate with local churches, schools, orphanages, and community projects. Our goal is to foster transformation and enhance the quality of life in Sri Lankan communities through sustained support and engagement. Get in touch to learn more.
Partnerships
Aldermoor Community Farm
Aldermoor Community Farm is an urban community farm located near Southampton General Hospital, part of Alder Trust. It is managed by City Life Church members, Richard and Kathy Pitt, and supported by volunteers and community groups. The farm sells its produce through its on-site shop. Our vision at Aldermoor Community Farm is 'To operate a sustainable community farm, nurturing the potential of people as we nurture the land.' Learn more:
Contact: richard@aldermoorfarm.org.uk
Southampton House of Prayer
Southampton House of Prayer (SoHOP) is a prayer initiative organised by Christians from various churches across Southampton, aimed at serving and including all churches in the city. Together, we offer a variety of prayer activities open to everyone. Learn more:
Southampton City Mission
Southampton City Mission is a Christian charity dedicated to serving the entire Church as it serves our city. City Life Church is actively involved in two key projects: SCM Marketplace: Townhill Park, a community food membership scheme that provides local residents with access to affordable, fresh, and healthy food in an inclusive and supportive environment; and SCM Schools, an initiative that collaborates flexibly with schools to meet their needs through various activities, including anti-bullying assemblies and Question of Faith sessions. Learn more:
Young Life International
We are proud partners with Young Life International, engaging with teenagers throughout Southampton. Paul Woodman, the charity’s board chair, spearheads our local community action team. In Southampton, Young Life operates two clubs for children and also runs groups in several secondary schools. Learn more:
Southampton Street Pastors
We are delighted that many members of City Life Church have supported Southampton Street Pastors over the years. This incredible charity has been serving our city since 2009, with teams of volunteers from across Southampton offering reassurance, safety, and support to people on the streets. Learn more: