CHURCHES are inspiring Ilkley residents to help vulnerable people with a series of Lent talks.

More than 60 people attended the first Churches Together in Ilkley talk by Matthew Nice of St George’s Crypt, Leeds on February 25.

The Crypt supports vulnerable homeless people and helps them to find places to live and a purpose in life. Many of the clients helped by the crypt become volunteers with the organisation giving them valuable skills in preparation for the work place.

Mr Nice also explained a scheme where people can buy vouchers for refreshments at the Crypt to give to those who are begging in Leeds.

The vouchers ensure the person gets healthy refreshments and gives Crypt workers an opportunity to make contact with them and help them to rebuild their lives.

The series continues with a talk by the Rev David Brown on the Persecuted Church on Wednesday, March 11, and finishes with a talk about asylum seekers and the work of the Beacon charity in Bradford by the Rev Rita Armitage on Wednesday, March 18.

The talks are free and take place at the Christchurch Cafe on The Grove, starting at 7.30pm. There is a chance for discussion over refreshments at the end of the evening.