Last year,  The Salvation Army nationally distributed more than 76,000 gifts! This year, we are expecting the number of families requesting help to rise as a result of the cost of living crisis.  

Sanctuary 21  Salvation Army church will be running our Christmas Present Appeal, collecting donated presents until mid-December.

You can help us spread the joy of Christmas to families whose children would otherwise not receive a gift. 

Please support your our Christmas Present Appeal by donating new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present. The gifts will then be wrapped and distributed to those in need.

Suggested Gift List for Children and Young People

We believe every child deserves a new gift at Christmas so we are unable to take used or second hand items for the Christmas Present Appeal.

• 0-3 years:  dolls, teddy bears, cot mobiles, baby clothes, bath toys, puzzles
• 3-5: dolls and action figures, cars, lorries, colouring sets, pencils, crayons, books, puzzles
• 5-9: educational games & toys, stationery (colouring sets, pencils, crayons, school sets), books, puzzles, wordsearch, crosswords
• 9-12: games and toys, stationery, books, t-shirts, hair accessories, gloves, scarves, hats
• 13-16: books, make-up and toiletries (please try to ensure non-allergic ingredients if possible), gloves, scarves, hats, t-shirts, hair accessories and gift vouchers

Over the years, millions of children and young people have benefited from gifts donated to The Salvation Army.

By giving a gift to our Christmas Present Appeal you can make a real difference in someone’s life at Christmas.

Thank you!

Our current Cafe opening times are as follows:

Monday:        10.30 - 1.30pm

Wednesday:  10.30 - 1.30pm

Thursday:      10.30 - 1.30pm

Sanctuary 21 continues to provide practical support to rough sleepers, homeless and other vulnerable people who present themselves with specific needs. This includes providing a free or discounted hot meal, clothing and shower facilities. A signposting system is in place that seeks to help people get effective help from local support agencies.

We also provide coffee, tea and light snacks including cakes and scones to members of the public. All are welcome.

We look forward to welcoming our guests back.

We meet on Sundays to explore faith and discipleship.

Currently looking at Life Explored: an opportunity, with help of video clips and discussion, to consider questions that help us understand our search for fulfillment and Jesus offer of life in ll it’s fullness.

Why not join us on Sunday morning it would be great to see you.

S21 Durham Prayer Hub

Sanctuary 21 provides a quiet prayer space in the heart of the City where people can pray, reflect and connect with God.

We believe prayer is mission and we intentionally share the Good News of Jesus through prayer.

We believe that this is a place where broken people can discover they are loved by God and can find peace, purpose and value.

The Salvation Army Sanctuary 21 is a place of welcome for everyone and this includes the students of our City. Students add a wonderful dynamic to the work we do and they regularly support our work with our homeless and vulnerable guests by volunteering in a variety of ways.

We are also available for students simply to access our Cafe, where they can have a coffee, study and access our free wifi. We are also here to offer a listening ear for anyone who needs it.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES  FOR STUDENTS                                      Support in our Cafe by preparing meals and serving our guests.
Help mentor our vulnerable guests

MISSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHRISTIAN STUDENTS                      Help promote creative ways to pray and engage others in prayer.
Support ways for our guests to explore the Christian faith.                              Get involved in missional initiatives.
The (DICCU) Christian Union meets regularly in Sanctuary 21 for prayer and worship

If you require any further information please get in touch with Darryn or Karen via e-mail or just give us a call.           

Sanctuary 21 - Prayer Hub

During the terrible and unjust conflict in Ukraine - we echo the prayer of the Bishop of Ukraine who used Psalm 31 which echo's the situation the people there find themselves in:

Praise be to the Lord,

    for he showed me the wonders of his love

    when I was in a city under siege.

In my alarm I said,

    “I am cut off from your sight!”

Yet you heard my cry for mercy

    when I called to you for help.

 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!

    The Lord preserves those who are true to him,

    but the proud he pays back in full.

Be strong and take heart,

    all you who hope in the Lord.

We want to cry out to God on behalf of our the people of Ukraine ( and the people of Russia.) Out heartfelt prayer is the we will see Peace reign. 

Prayer is the foundation for everything we do as a Church. We are thankful that we can turn to a God who is bigger than every situation and who we can put our complete trust. 

Prayer rooms open 9.30am  - 1.30pm Mon Wed Thurs each week. Contact Darryn for use of rooms outside of these times.

Alpha at Sanctuary 21

What is the Alpha course?

At the 10 week Alpha afternoon/evening we share a meal together followed by a series of interactive talks & discussions that allows guests to freely explore the basics of the Christian faith.

No pressure! No follow up! No charge!

Please contact us or chat to Darryn or Karen about the start date of the next course.

Start! An exploration of the Christian Faith

The Start Course introduces Christianity through 6 DVD based down-to-earth interactive, small group sessions. The Start Course makes no assumptions about a participant’s background, experience, or knowledge of Christianity or the church. It really does start from scratch.

Please contact us or chat to Darryn or Karen about the start date of the next course.