by Eleanor Ward

This project has been nominated for the 2013 Inspire awards run by Inspire magazine in partnership with us at the Evangelical Alliance.

West End Impact was founded during the summer of 2002 and is run in partnership with Morecambe Community Church and other Christians in response to the regeneration of Morecambe.

Their vision is to provide a facility for Christian community work in the West End of Morecambe and its surrounding areas, and help motivate people in need to a better future by giving them information and helping them with things such as rehabilitation, housing, benefits, counselling, volunteer opportunities and social inclusion.

They also try to help people with a plan of action and build up good relationships with other agencies that they know can help.

The charity has around 50 volunteers and works on four main projects including a drop-in for those with many needs from homelessness, to addiction or simply loneliness. West End Impact also has a youth club, a parent cafe and an Innovate art group.

Their Community Cafe operates 'Suspended Coffee' which is an initiative whereby people purchase more cups of coffee than they need and leave some 'suspended.' When someone who cannot afford to buy a coffee goes to the cafe, they can see if any 'suspended coffees' are available and get a coffee free of charge.

West End Impact managed to transform the derelict buildings of the former call centre and the Barn they purchased, into a space for the community to enjoy and further their objectives. This was due to the major funding of Asda, Trusthouse, Francis C Scott Trust, Take Pride Community Foundation and countless volunteer hours.

Thanks to the major renovation of the Barn and other buildings, they are now used for many groups and events such as, Boogie Babes toddler group, many drop-in sessions, prayers, surgery from Councillor Pattison, Youth Clubs, and Art Groups etc.

Sandra Jensen, who nominated West End Impact for an Inspire Award, said: "I have been inspired by the West End Impact team headed up by Mickael and Tracy Khol in many ways. They have a real heart to reach out and help the many struggling folk in this run-down area of Morecambe, and are still 100 per cent focussed on fulfilling Christ's command to reach the lost, despite the many challenges over the years."