Christian Aid Week got underway yesterday.

The annual week of events aims to raise money for people living in poverty around the world.

This year’s theme is “All mums should live” and focuses on helping mums in Sierra Leone, where 10 women die every day from giving birth.

Fiona Daborn, Christian Aid’s regional co-ordinator for Dorset, said: “It’s the most dangerous place in the world to give birth in. It was still recovering from civil war when the Ebola crisis hit. The outbreak killed one in ten health care workers and left the country with significant debt.

“These can seem like impossible situations to tackle – but it is remarkable what can be done when we stand together. Over 20,000 churches nationally take part in Christian Aid Week to support their global neighbour and this year churches across Dorset will be organising door-to-door collections, hosting Big Brekkies and holding a range of other fundraising activities.”

On Wednesday, there will be a Big Brekkie event at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church from 10am to 12pm.

Meanwhile, Holy Trinity Church will hold its Big Brekkie event on Saturday, May 18 from 9am to 11am.

Organiser Jackie Chevis from Weymouth Bay Methodist Church said: “We are strong supporters of Christian Aid because it is a charity that believes in the dignity and worth of all the people they work with. They are saving and transforming lives across the world and it is a privilege to be part of that global movement.

“Food brings people together which is appropriate because that’s what Christian Aid does.

“It enables us, here in Weymouth, to reach out in solidarity to the world’s most vulnerable people and to enjoy a tasty breakfast at the same time. Everyone wins - come and join us!”

Christian Aid Week will finish this Saturday. To find out more visit www.christianaid.org.uk

Dorchester events

There are plenty of events planned in Dorchester during Christian Aid Week.

Tony Boyden of Christian Aid in Dorchester, said: “The fact we are in a national political crisis should not blind us to the massive crisis on a global scale. Now millions of people continue to suffer from blinding poverty and hunger which could be avoided by support from those better off. We believe in life before death.”

Christian Aid Week kicked off in Dorchester with a special service held at St Peter’s Church yesterday. Speaking at the service was Head of Christian Aid in the South West, Katie Roberts.

A Christian Aid Market is set to take place at the United Church in Dorchester on Wednesday, May 15.

Visitors can expect a number of stalls selling food, books, cakes, crafts and more.

The market will be opened by the Mayor of Dorchester Cllr David Taylor at 9.45am and will continue until 1.45pm.

A street collection for Christian Aid will then be held on Friday, May 17 from 9am to 5pm.

If you’re interested in getting involved contact Tony Boyden on 01305 268726.

Christian Aid Week will culminate in Dorchester with a sponsored walk to the River Jordan near Bowleaze Cove in Weymouth.

The walk will begin at St Peter’s Church at 9.30am on Saturday, May 18.

Those wishing to attend should bring a packed lunch. The group is expected to reach the River Jordan by mid-afternoon, where there will be public transport back to Dorchester.