Merton Refuge offers specialist help and support for women in domestic violent situations. The Refuge offers emergency and temporary accommodation, advocacy and support to women escaping abuse. Christ Church supports this charity particularly when celebrating the Feast of St Nicholas (Santa Claus) on the evening of the first Sunday of December when we ask people to bring a Christmas gift for those women and children in the Refuge.

Carers Support Merton is a well-established and respected local charity in the London Borough of Merton with an ambitious development programme of work to support, promote and improve the quality of life of carers. The Rev’d Gilly Pawson is especially keen to support young carers, and in March 2005 trekked across the Sahara raising over £10,000 for the charity.

The Faith in Action Merton Homeless Drop-in Centre is an inter-faith project which provides a support and advice centre for local homeless people. The project works closely with the housing department, drug and probation services, health services and other agencies. Angela Robinson, a member of the congregation of Christ Church, works part-time at the centre and says:

When Wimbledon Guild held their Big Sleep Out to raise money for the charity, I joined in and many from Christ Church sponsored my efforts. I would like to say a big 'Thank you' to everyone who sponsored me for 'sleeping out' to raise money for Faith in Action. I raised £230.11, which contributed to an overall sum of £3500! If anyone has some time to spare, Faith in Action is in need of volunteers on a Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Merton Refugee Support

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