Aims

In November 1993 Marianne Goulding was appointed by the Diocese of York, linked to the parish, but not directly responsible to the clergy. One could say the ‘Longhill Mission Experiment’ restated. A house was purchased opposite the church building for her. Marianne was appointed to ensure continuing community use of the building, by trying to harness the good will of the remaining Christian community, but also by recruiting local volunteers for what she envisioned to be a local-needs-led ‘community centre’. Over time they coined the name ‘Link-Up’ and the mission statement: “In the light of the Gospel, to enable individuals, groups and the community within the Longhill area to develop skills and resources to meet local needs”.

In 1995, after significant growth, this work was formalised as The Longhill Link-Up Trust. The main object of the charity is “to maintain a Christian ministry on the Longhill estate in the parish of St. Michael’s and generally to promote such purposes of the Church of England as shall be charitable, in particular the meeting of social need”.