Blog
Building stronger families together with TLG and Kids Matter
05th February 2025
In every community, there’s an undeniable power in connection—moments where people come together not just to share a meal or a space, but to build relationships that uplift and sustain. That’s precisely what TLG Make Lunch and Kids Matter can achieve, side by side, addressing some of the most pressing challenges families face: food insecurity, isolation, and the need for stronger family relationships.
What Makes TLG Make Lunch Special?
TLG Make Lunch equips churches to create inclusive, welcoming environments where families can access nutritious meals, fun activities, and a deep sense of belonging—all at no cost. During school holidays, when many families face increased pressures, these clubs are a lifeline.
One mum shared, “Meeting mums in a similar situation and being part of something” is what she valued most about TLG Make Lunch. Another reflected that the best thing about attending was, “Being able to come together as a community and be there for each other.”
The impact is undeniable:
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97% of participants feel like they’re part of a community because of TLG Make Lunch.
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99% agree that TLG Make lunch has had a positive impact on their family’s well-being.
This sense of belonging provides a foundation not only for personal growth but also for building community resilience.
Complementing Care: The Role of Kids Matter
Kids Matter equips parents and carers with evidence-based tools to strengthen family bonds and address the challenges of parenting, particularly in the context of poverty. By partnering with churches and local organisations, this programme brings communities closer together.
As one facilitator put it, “I love this programme because we’re seeing parents from all different backgrounds, all different experiences, come in and talk about their parenting and sharing their wonderful stories with each other.…. Kids Matter isn’t just about the programme. It’s about combating loneliness. It’s about building community. It’s about building friendships.”
A Perfect Partnership: How TLG Make Lunch and Kids Matter Work Together
The community fostered at TLG Make Lunch makes it an ideal setting to introduce the Kids Matter programme. Families already feel welcome and supported, which creates the trust needed for deeper conversations about parenting and relationships.
Take the example of Julie Smith, the leader of River of Life Community Church, who has run TLG Make Lunch since 2018 and introduced Kids Matter to the families who attend. For her, Kids Matter became a natural extension of the connections built over shared meals.
“I wanted something to do with the mums in between the school holidays—a reason to meet and get together,” she explained.
Julie’s observations highlight the transformative power of this pairing at River of Life Community Church:
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Parents have grown in confidence and openness, supporting one another in new ways.
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The sessions have been so well-received that parents are eager to continue and complete them.
The Holistic Value of This Partnership
Together, TLG Make Lunch and Kids Matter address multiple dimensions of family well-being:
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Food security and nutrition: Providing hot, healthy meals.
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Social connection: Reducing loneliness and isolation through shared activities.
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Parenting skills: Building confidence and competence through practical tools.
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Stronger communities: Cultivating a culture of mutual support and belonging.
TLG’s Make Lunch Programme Development Lead Sam Craven is excited about the potential of this collaboration with Kids Matter, “working together enables us to equip our TLG Make Lunch teams with access to free Kids Matter resources, which strengthens the support they are bringing to families. We are also hoping that more churches who care about children and families will find out about TLG Make Lunch and be inspired to consider how it could enhance their impact and connection with the local community.”
An Invitation to Join the Mission
Whether you’re considering joining in with TLG Make Lunch club or exploring Kids Matter materials, this partnership is a proven way to build stronger families and brighter communities. As Julie so eloquently puts it, “Go for it!” Together, we can make a lasting difference.
