Belonging
What we’ve found: regional roundtables on community cohesion
After three weeks of travelling the country virtually, the FaithAction team has currently spoken to members of faith communities in six of the nine English regions, with the final three taking place this week. Our goal was to talk about the role faith communities around […]
A ‘New Deal’ proposed between Government and faith communities
Danny Kruger MP has released a report, Levelling Up Our Communities, which proposes a new ‘social covenant’. Following consideration of 500 written responses and “dozens” of phone interviews, the report results in 20 recommendations, inspired by the extraordinary response in communities to meeting the needs […]
“You can still come with me!” — seven tips for encouraging a sense of integration and belonging in the ‘new normal’
Despite its (many) challenges, this extended lockdown has resulted in an increased sense of belonging for many vulnerable individuals. Communities rose to the challenge of supporting practical needs and the help of neighbours and organisations helped many to feel visible, valuable, and connected. For others, […]
Making the Most of Difficult Times
It’s been an unusual year to say the least. It’s now been five months since the UK went into lockdown and, whilst things have begun opening up again and life has been making slow progress back to some kind of normality, our summers have probably […]
“Lonely but not alone” – How faith and community groups are responding to loneliness
Before the pandemic, one in five people already reported feeling often, or always, lonely. The impact of coronavirus has intensified these feelings and caused loneliness for many more. Loneliness affects people of all ages and all communities, and many need support now more than ever. […]
“You just do it online” – The challenge of digital exclusion and COVID-19
COVID-19 has placed a spotlight on the huge level of digital inequality that exists in the UK. As school work, social events, religious services, information sharing, work meetings, application processes for reporting problems and applying for support move necessarily online, significant sections of society remain […]
The Power of Relationships in Tackling Loneliness
Imagine the ice-breaker scenario: if you had to leave your house immediately, and could only take one thing with you, what would it be? Emergency situations, whether real or imagined, have a way of bringing things into sharp focus. And the coronavirus pandemic has likewise […]
Faith Groups: Supporting your Members’ Mental Health
The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, as we all grapple with the challenges of increased isolation and uncertainty. However, here at FaithAction, we feel that faith groups can play a significant role at this time in supporting those struggling with […]
Staying connected, building community
I have been a Creative English Trainer at FaithAction for a year now, but it’s fair to say my job has changed quite significantly in the past month or so! Up until then, the highlights of my week usually looked something like this: on Mondays, […]
Making a Difference in Uncertain Times
There is a certain pride I feel when I see the way that those who work in the voluntary sector and in faith organisations respond to a crisis like that which we are facing. It is not a wrong, boastful pride but a ‘settled rightness’ […]
