Churches join together to bring joy to children in Camberwell

Three churches in Camberwell joined together over the school holidays to run the ‘Summer Munch’, a lunchtime programme for children who would normally receive free school lunches during the term. 

Held over three weeks at Camberwell Salvation Army, a group of volunteers from The Salvation Army, The Well Church and Brandon Baptist Church teamed up to run a programme of games, activities and music for up to 30 children each day. 

Children were referred by local schools and social services and as part of the programme, received a substantial, healthy meal for lunch each day.

Major Janet Martin, from Camberwell Salvation Army, said that the three churches decided to join together to run the programme after seeing the need in the community. A 2013 report showed that 24% of children in the borough of Southwark are living in poverty*.

“We recognised that there was a gap where some children in Southwark who received free school lunches during the term were going without during the holidays,” says Major Martin.

 “We wanted to try and fill this gap as best we could by offering an option that was fun and would ease the load for families, in partnership with local schools.”

After lunch the children were able to take part in fun activities run by church volunteers. 

“It has been exciting to have the three churches working together to see an area of need met in the community of Camberwell and see children eating well and enjoying their school holidays like every child should be able to!” said Major Martin. 

If you are part of a church in the Camberwell area and would like to be involved in running the Summer Munch in August next year, please contact Major Janet Martin at The Salvation Army in Camberwell at janet.martin@salvationarmy.org.uk or on 020 7708 5465.