‘If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? So let us not love only with words or with tongue but with action and in truth’ (1 John 3:17-18).

Why does The Genesis Trust exist and how does it demonstrate biblical values?

The Genesis Trust supports the homeless and vulnerable in the city of Bath, demonstrating the biblical value of caring for those in need. We accept people as they are, explain that they are loved by God, and bring them into community. We’re also supported by over 80 local churches which promotes unity.

What are your main projects?

The Genesis Trust runs nine projects across Bath including the following (Please click on the titles to find out more about each one) :

Bath Soup Run

Sunday Centre

Lunch Box

Lifeline Centre

Life Skills

Furniture Project

The Wood Works

Bath Foodbank

Bath Street Pastors

Do you have any stories or examples of a person’s life being transformed through the Trust?

Yes! We have many stories, not only about the impact on clients but referral agencies too:

Client: 'As a sufferer of depression the art groups have had a significant impact on my mood, anxiety and social skills at a time when, if left alone, I would have stayed in bed and plummeted into suicidal fantasies ... finding God and joining a church has raised my long-term outlook on life. As my life has gained stability and I have increased in confidence and mental good health I have been able to begin volunteering for Save The Children charity and facilitating some Life Skills groups. 

Without the Life Skills programme I do believe I would have continued ‘experimenting’ with crack and heroin to an addicted level and in most likelihood taken a very long route back to being a productive member of society. (Genesis) needs supporting as it is the only service in Bath that anyone can use. Its’ uniqueness lies in the fact that there are no assessment criteria or referral systems to go through in order to join in and move on from life’s occasional curveball.'

Angie Panton, Disability Employment Adviser, Jobcentreplus: 'So often the people that find themselves seeing me at Jobcentreplus have lost confidence and feel powerless against their circumstances … I wonder how to measure someone coming back to me with a renewed vision of their value as a human being.

In my opinion there is no other organisation in the area to match the genuine encouragement, support and one to one care that Genesis gives to its service users. This has proved to be the first step in enabling a person to get back into paid employment on many occasions ... I find myself relying on the staff and ethos of Genesis more and more.'

How can we support the work of Genesis?

We value your prayers for our charity and the service users. We are finding that more and more people are using our services on a daily basis. As any small charity doing great things, we always are in need of financial giving. If you feel The Genesis Trust may be a charity you would like to give to, please go to our website or contact Katie Collier at katie@genesistrust.org.uk for more information.

What would you say to someone wanting to volunteer, but unsure/nervous?

Genesis is a fantastic place to volunteer. There are lots of projects to get involved in - either directly or in administration.

We are happy for you to volunteer as little or as much as you like, there is no pressure in a very welcoming environment. Please click here for more information.

What is the best thing for you about working for Genesis?

The best thing about working for Genesis is seeing people change and move on in their lives … As many have said to us, 'Where there was once despair and depression, you listened, without judging me, and loved unconditionally to help me to realise there is more to life.' For some people this may be the first steps on their journey to knowing Jesus, for others possibly rekindling a love of doing something positive ... gaining friends or learning skills for a new career. Each individual starts alone but quickly joins in and become part of our wonderful nurturing community, helping each other and fulfilling their dreams.