Restore, Babygrow and more at City Life Truro

The Cornwall Community Foundation team recently visited City Life Truro to see first-hand the impact of grants awarded to support a number of community projectsA piece of work that delivers an output.. Led by Matt Noble, Pastor at City Life Church, the team met with teams of staff and volunteers working across initiatives designed to support local families, reduce isolation, and provide practical support in times of need.

CCF has supported City Life Truro through nine grants since 2021, including funding from the Emergency FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions., Community Fund, Business Club Fund, and the VCSE Health Improvement Fund, among others. The most recent support, a £9,000 grant from Surviving Winter, allowed the church to provide emergency aid in the form of food vouchers, nappies, furniture, and other essential items.

The first stop on the visit was Restore, a project that rehomes unwanted furniture to individuals and families who are setting up a new home, often after a period of crisis or transition. Led by Community Pastor Chris Cascarina, the Restore team spoke about the generosity of donors, the kindness of volunteers, and the impact they see these donations make to those receiving furniture. The project runs in partnership with the Three Rivers Truro furniture shop, which lends both time and transport to ensure furniture reaches those who need it most.

Next, the team visited Growbaby Truro, led by Family Worker Lead, Lorna Sapsford. Part of a national initiative brought to the city by the church. Growbaby provides good-quality second-hand clothes and equipment for children aged 0 – 5 years old, free of charge. The project also offers a welcoming space with hot drinks and changing facilities. Plus, a stay-and-play session has evolved from Growbaby, helping local parents connect and build a community and support network. The storeroom, full of colourful items ready for new homes, is also a hub of circular generosity, with many families choosing to re-donate items once their children have grown.

The visit continued with the toddler and baby groups, which run weekly for children and their carers. Through play, singing, storytime, and plenty of snacks, these sessions provide affordable early-years engagement while also creating a safe and supportive environment for parents. Volunteers shared that they frequently connect families with other services such as Restore and Growbaby, ensuring a joined-up approach to community care.

Matt and the team also mentioned the ‘Dads and Kids’ group, held on the first Saturday of each month. A space specifically for dads and male carers that brings together play and peer support. The monthly sessions aim to build confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging for parents who may otherwise feel isolated.

Reflecting on the visit, Grants Officer Francis shared:

“City Life Church delivers innovative and inspirational projects that meet real community needs, particularly for the most disadvantaged, through initiatives like furniture and baby clothes recycling, youth groups, and parent-toddler sessions, all driven by passionate volunteers and dedicated staff. While faith-based, the organisation does not promote religious conversion; instead, it offers optional spiritual support, which has shown clear mental health benefits for those who choose to engage. A wonderful project doing vital work!”

Find out more about our available grants or how you can support groups like City Life Truro with Cornwall Community Foundation today.