Huddersfield churches are banding together to turn 2014 into a Year of Hope.

A group of churches across the town are taking part in a national movement called “Hope Together 2014”.

The local group, called HOPE Huddersfield, is planning activities and events throughout the year. Most of these will be organised by local churches in their own parishes and communities, but co-ordinated together under the HOPE banner.

Organisations involved include Elim Pentecostal Church, New North Road Baptist Church, the Christian Communities Network and LOVE Huddersfield – a project in which young Christians get involved to help local communities.

HOPE Huddersfield is already under way with churches holding prayer events and small scale community activities.

The next united prayer gathering is at 6.30pm on Thursday, January 19, at Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Street.

Larger events will begin on Easter Sunday with a town centre “surprise” launch.

There will be a special focus around the May Bank Holiday weekend with young people and others serving their communities in practical projects.

Further activities will include a Pentecost Party at the Piazza Shopping Centre in June and hospitality activities around the Tour de France in early July.

There will be courses in the autumn to introduce the Christian faith to anyone who is interested.

HOPE Huddersfield will also tackle issues in the town that cause people to lose hope – spiritual emptiness, family breakdown, homelessness, poverty and debt.

The group is working closely with debt relief agency CAP Huddersfield. Details of HOPE Huddersfield activities appear on a website – www.hopehuddersfield.org – and a steering team from various churches and Christian organisations in the town has been formed.

Team leader the Rev Michael Reid, of Huddersfield Elim Church, said that the start of 2014 was very special for him.

“This is the beginning of what’s going to be a great year for Huddersfield,” he said. “We’re going to see lives changed and a new sense of hope across our communities. I can’t wait.”

Other members of the steering group are Linda Daniel, minister at Christian Communities Network; Wayne Clarke, minister at New North Road Baptist Church; Dan Wood, church youth worker and chairman of Love Huddersfield; Chris Hawley, team leader at Christian Communities Network; and Steve Hurd, pastor at The Ark Church, Huddersfield.