More about St Francis

Outreach radio began life as Lockdown 100.7 FM in March 2020, under a temporary licence granted by OfCom to radio stations supporting local areas during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Their licence was twice extended, allowing them to broadcast continuously for nearly six months, until the 5th September 2020, at which point their licence expired with no further allowance for extension. Their coverage during that time reached Romsey, Eastleigh, Chandlers Ford, North Baddesley, Hedge End and other surrounding areas.

During their time on FM and online, they developed an amazing and overwhelming level of interest and support from listeners of all ages, local businesses, charities, voluntary groups, churches and local authorities, which led them to seek a way to continue this work and establish themselves as a permanent radio service.

They rebranded following the lockdown, and continued broadcasting via the Internet whilst establishing OUTREACH COMMUNITY RADIO C.I.C. as a not-for-profit, commercial community organisation, represented and led by local people.

They applied for a permanent licence which was awarded by OfCom on the 1st October 2020, and broadcasts recommenced via DAB Digital Radio to South Hampshire, the South Coast and the Isle of Wight. This ability to serve communities and go from a small-scale service to a commercially capable entity with immense coverage in approximately eight months, in the middle of a pandemic, gives an insight into their values and ethos, and the lengths they have gone to in supporting their communities and listeners.'

On Sunday mornings at 9am, DJ Rich Lawrence presents the Songs of Worship Show and really enjoys connecting with his listeners around the beautiful music and themes. Rich says, "If I can bring a smile to people faces, give them company and move them, then I have achieved all I want to do".
Being part of the Outreach Radio family is a true blessing and adventure!!

St Francis Church is a partnership between three denominations, the Church of England, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. Whilst our lead minister is Church of England, we rejoice in the diversity of traditions we represent - indeed it's wider than these three denominations! And we're so much richer because of it.

What does it mean in practice, apart from representing a broad range of traditions? Whilst the words we use at communion and other set prayers (liturgy) are often Anglican, we enjoy using prayers from other traditions too. In normal times our ministers swap several times a year to maintain a diversity of teaching and service styles.

We support several charities both local and overseas .

Eastleigh Food Bank
One of the charities close to home is our local food bank. We encourage our church members to donate items of food regularly and we have a few volunteers who deliver all of the donations to the food bank.

A Rocha
A Rocha UK is a Christian charity working to equip Christians and churches to protect and restore the environment – for God, nature and all people.

Being an Eco Church means committing to care for God’s creation as part of our worship and community life. As part of A Rocha, we join a global movement of churches working towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. This involves practical steps like reducing waste, conserving energy, supporting biodiversity, and encouraging lifestyle changes that reflect our faith in action. It’s about living out our responsibility to protect the earth and inspire others to do the same.

Christians Against Poverty
Poverty destroys lives. It robs people of joy, hope and opportunities. CAP have been advocating for, and supporting people experiencing debt and poverty since 1996.

Fledge
Fledge is another local charity. They nurture vulnerable and homeless you people offering long term support and encouraging healthy relationships.

Roofbreakers: Building an Inclusive Church
Roofbreakers is a support programme that helps churches understand and respond to the needs of people with disabilities. The goal is simple: to make sure everyone can access church life, participate fully, and share their gifts—because the church is only complete when everyone belongs.

At St Francis, our message is: “You’re welcome here.” But how do we make that true for those with disabilities?
That’s where the Roofbreaker programme comes in. Through the Roof provides training and practical advice so that our services and activities are accessible to all.

We know this is a journey. We’re not perfect, but we’re committed to learning and growing. After completing a Disability Audit a few years ago, we’re working step by step to make the changes needed.

To find out more, visit https://www.throughtheroof.org and see how St Francis Valley Park Church—and other local churches—are saying yes to disability inclusion.

International Justice Mission
Until all are safe and free

The IJM partner with local justice systems around the world to build safe communities, where all are protected from violence and slavery.
They partner with police, judges and community leaders to respond to violence. Then work together to make safe communities that last.

The IJM partner with local authorities to rescue victims of violence and restore survivors until they can thrive in freedom.

They advocate for our clients in court until the people who trafficked and abused them can no longer exploit, enslave or abuse another person again.

And they equip champions everywhere to advocate for a safer, more just world for everyone.