St Philip's Church in Chaddesden, Derby, has seen a growth in both community and congregation, thanks to its year-old café and support groups.

The church has positioned itself as a community facility and partnered with Derby County Community Trust and others to provide not only affordable meals, but also mental health groups for men, a dads' network, debt counselling and much more.

The Revd Sarah Watson, Enabling Minister for St Philip's, said: "What I kept hearing was 'weve got no pub, we've got no café, we've got no community space'. 

"So I looked at this space and thought, well, why not?"

Following a period of planning and finding funding, the venture eventually got off the ground - initially on two days a week.

Now the church building is also a thriving community hub.

Revd Sarah said: "Many places have mum's groups available, but we have men's groups, a men's mental health group so to have a space for dads to come to is great.

"Having said that, a menopause group is also on the cards.

"We have craft groups, a fibromyalgia group and a debt clinic. The café is used by walking groups and a bowling group too.

"So I've told the community that we have an amazing space, and asked how can we facilitate this being a space that is here for the whole parish?"

Engaging with the community has also seen congregation numbers increase.

Some of those visiting now also go to Sunday services, and the Christmas Carol service saw more than 70 people go along - more than treble the previous year.

>> Find out more about St Philip's Chaddesden.