Our Work

Founded in the year 2000 the charity has grown and developed to become a vibrant Christian organization supporting children, young people and families through outreach work in schools and the wider community. Key staff are employed but the majority of its work is carried out through a growing number of over 100 volunteers.

Charity Shops

The Charity operates through a network of 'Lighthouse' Charity Shops. The Lighthouse Charity Shops are currently located in Derbyshire. As well as providing revenue to further the work of the charity, the shops also provide low cost clothing and furniture for local families.

The Salt Pot

The Salt Pot in Swanwick is the operational centre of Valley CIDS with an office and a Resource Centre on the first floor and on the ground floor, a popular community coffee shop managed by our highly qualified chef.

'ZEST' Breakfast Clubs

We currently run three breakfast clubs in local primary schools. The clubs provide a healthy breakfast each morning for the children. As well as eating a healthy breakfast, the children are able to work with different crafts, such as salt dough, card making, painting and modelling.

Children's Work

Our Head of Children's Work is responsible for delivering assemblies, follow-up lessons and occasional festival extra-curricular activities in a number of local primary schools. She is also involved in resourcing, training and equipping local churches to initiate after-school clubs, lunchtime groups and other Christian outreach initiatives.

Youth Work

Our Head of Youth Development is responsible for the oversight and management of the projects and staff within the Youth Department. Valley CIDS Youth Workers are active in the local schools, community and church. We also run the Blend Youth Project in Ripley, a very popular meeting place and activities centre for young people.