Laingholm Baptist Church has been integral to the semi-rural West Auckland community since the 1960s. The church offers various community services that are open to everyone.
Youth Pastor Alison Diprose explains more: ‘We provide facilities used regularly by our community and run many activities, providing connection and belonging for locals.’
Residents can make friends with other locals and participate in shared breakfasts, craft groups, and coffee mornings. There’s also an on-site op shop, where they can pick up a bargain. Check out the website for a weekly schedule of what’s on.
However, Laingholm Baptist Church has a strong focus on young people. Alison says the church runs three free after-school clubs each week during term time: a RockSolid Drop-in for college students, a Friday Club for primary students, and CONNECT for intermediates.
‘These clubs provide a hub for connection and support for families in our community,’ advises Alison. She adds that many parts of Laingholm have no regular public transport, so families, youth and children can feel isolated and lonely.
The clubs are hugely popular, with around 70 young people attending regularly. The kids can hang out with their friends and explore a range of activities, from cooking to crafts and games. What’s more, older teenagers have taken on leadership roles for the younger groups, developing their mentorship skills.
‘Our clubs are structured around small groups and fun activities,’ advises Alison. They help children and youth in the community get to know each other and develop local friendships.
The after-school groups are free to participants. However, they still come at a cost. Funding of $5,000 from the 2023 Your West Support Fund went towards operational expenses and provided much-needed certainty. ‘Since Covid, funding has been much harder to come by, so the help from the Your West Support Fund was crucial,’ says Alison.
Laingholm Baptist Church has started an innovative initiative to provide a more regular funding source for youth activities. KauriCones is a social enterprise scheme. Locals can now enjoy mouth-watering real-fruit ice cream every afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m.
All profits go towards the youth groups. Furthermore, youth and young adults working at KauriCones obtain work experience, develop their confidence and learn essential life skills. Alison says that the enterprising young people sold over 4,800 ice creams in the first three months of this year.
So, if you’re out and about in Laingholm, why not stop in for a delicious ice cream at 1 Victory Road while also supporting a fantastic cause.
