The Gather Movement, which connects more than 8,000 churches and charities working on front-line social action projects, has set an ambitious target to map services undertaken by all main faith groups in every local authority area, within the next three years.
Its report “Heart of the Neighbourhood” found churches offering food provision, debt advice, mental health and wellbeing support, youth activities and initiatives addressing loneliness and isolation. Scaled up, it says this could mean that England’s 33,000 churches provide around 250,000 instances of community provision.
It says a nationwide map of all faith groups is needed to avoid duplication, plug the gaps and enhance collaboration. Ruth Peacock hosted this discussion with guests:
- Mark Cowling, National Coordinator, Gather Movement
- Claire Walker, CEO National Churches Trust
- Carrie Alderton, CEO off the Faith and Belief Forum
- Alison Dawson, from “No one left behind” project in York
- Simon Hawking, from Night Life Cafes in Lincoln
- Mustafa Field, Director of Faiths Forum for London
- Councillor Kevin Bentley, Conservative Group Leader and Senior Vice-Chairman of the Local Government Association, Colchester City Councillor and former leader of Essex County Council
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