On Saturday 26 July, 1,622 people across 38 full-time branches of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) took part in a UK-wide nationwide Community Care Day – a grassroots initiative that offered far more than food. From hot meals and haircuts to blood pressure checks, pampering and advice, the event was about connection, dignity, and showing people they matter.
From London to Glasgow, and Bristol to Belfast, UCKG HelpCentres opened their doors to people of all ages – from young children to the elderly – for a day of free care and support. The initiative was delivered by local volunteers, with services tailored to each community’s needs.
In Croydon, guests received hair styling and manicures alongside NHS-led blood pressure checks. In Hackney, teams made a special effort to reach rough sleepers and those in hostels, offering grooming, snacks, and clothing donations. In Nottingham, free housing and general advice was also made available.
“This wasn’t just a soup kitchen – it was a chance to care for people physically, emotionally and spiritually,” said Bishop James Marques, who leads UCKG in the UK. “We wanted every guest to leave feeling better than when they arrived – whether through a hot meal, a kind word, or simply being seen.”
In Finsbury Park, guests enjoyed fresh fruit and health advice alongside nail treatments. One volunteer said people “looked amazed” after receiving their haircuts and hand massages. In Leeds, a professional barber said he was proud to finally give back to the community. In Manchester, one guest, Sheila, shared: “I enjoyed getting my nails done and came back later for a haircut – the service was so great!”
Clothing banks were open at most branches, offering shoes, accessories and garments for men, women and children. In Islington, local resident Marylyn Thomas said:
“The clothing section felt like an adventure playground, and the volunteers were wonderful.”
Volunteers played a vital role – serving food, chatting with guests, running health checks, and escorting visitors to different zones. Sabrina Mason, one of the many who helped out on the day, said: “It was nice to see the delighted faces of those receiving pampering. Everyone worked in unity.”
Other locations, including Kilburn, Stratford, Southall, Plaistow, Sheffield, Bristol, Newcastle, Catford, Luton and Hammersmith, all delivered similar services. In
Peckham and Edmonton, volunteers created warm, welcoming spaces with personalised care. Many guests asked when the next event would be held.
Attendees described the event as uplifting and transformative. Lee Irwin, a man from Newcastle in his 30s, said: “This was the best day of my life.”
Community Care Day builds on UCKG’s wider mission to offer not just spiritual support, but real-world help. It follows other initiatives such as The Night Angels (supporting the homeless), the Lives Not Knives Walk (tackling youth violence), and Cook Out to Reach Out (addressing food poverty).
According to UCKG’s Faith and the Future research, 72% of Generation Z believe faith-based organisations have a key role to play in solving modern social challenges – from mental health and homelessness to youth crime and family breakdown.
This event showed how a simple act of care – a haircut, a warm coat, a friendly chat – can become a powerful expression of love and community.
