Many thanks to all of you who came to the meeting in Preston last Tuesday or expressed an interest in it! It was very encouraging to see such a large turn-out from across Lancashire, and fascinating to hear about the work you are doing in your communities. We had over 40 people in the room representing Christians from most of the denominations and from Blackpool, Fleetwood, Preston, Leyland, Blackburn, Hyndburn, Burnley and Lancaster. Together Lancashire is committed to working in collaboration with Church Action on Poverty in our shared mission to adress poverty and the causes of poverty in our county. Below are some of the possibilities of linking with them which we would encourage you to explore.
There are all kinds of ways we can work together to tackle poverty. Church Action on Poverty's work to tackle the root causes of poverty is a perfect complement to the vital frontline work your churches do. I hope that we can help you to speak out about the injustice and poverty you encounter in your communities.
As I promised on the night, this email contains links which should help you to do that. I hope it will be especially useful for those of you who couldn't come on the night. Here are some of the ways we can work together:
- Mobilise and inspire your church
Be part of the national Poverty & Homelessness Action Week from 26 January to 2 February – use our free resources to organise a service which raises awareness and generates donations for your own projects as well as our work. Sign up now at www.actionweek.org.uk
Or, if you can't take part in Action Week, you could use our free 'Close the Gap' resource pack to inform others in your church about poverty and inequality, and inspire them to take action. Download it at www.church-poverty.org.uk/act/resources, or call me on 0161 236 9321 to request a printed copy.
- Campaigning against irresponsible lending
You may be familiar with the terrible impact payday lenders and other legal loan sharks have in poor communities. Our main campaign action at the moment is the launch of a Charter to Stop the Payday Loan Rip-off, which would protect vulnerable people by ensuring proper regulation of high-cost lenders. You can find out more – and use our simple e-action to support the Charter - at www.church-poverty.org.uk/drowningindebt.
While you're doing so, you can sign up to receive regular email actions from Church Action on Poverty – a quick and easy way for you to speak out about the root causes of poverty. - Join us at our conference
Our annual conference is a great opportunity to: meet other people from across the UK who are involved in anti-poverty work; hear grassroots voices from poor communities; listen to high-profile speakers; and share stories of hope and transformation.
This year it's in Sheffield on 9 November, where we'll be joined by friends from the Trussell Trust and Christians Against Poverty. Find out more and book your place at www.church-poverty.org.uk/conference. - Stay in touch
We provide regular updates in lots of different formats – a great way for you to stay informed about poverty issues, and to build links with the other people in our networks who share your concerns and goals. You can follow us on Twitter (@churchpoverty) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/churchpoverty ). If you prefer more traditional communication, call 0161 236 9321 and ask about receiving our SPARK newsletter.
Thanks again for your support, and best wishes for your work!
Liam Purcell
Communications Manager, Church Action on Poverty
PS We depend on the generous support of churches and individuals to enable us to carry out our important work. If you would like to become a committed supporter of Church Action on Poverty, please visit www.church-poverty.org.uk/give . Or download our local action guide from www.church-poverty.org.uk/groups/start-your-own-group to see how your group or church could become part of our networks.
