Faith and community groups are being invited to join a growing ‘Network of Kindness’, set up to help tackle poverty, injustice, and help build community resilience across the Diocese of Liverpool area.
Social justice charity Together Liverpool has secured a £222,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund to expand the network, empowering faith and community groups to take their ‘next step’ in social action.
More than 170 people and groups have already joined the Network of Kindness, including Bishop of Liverpool, The Right Reverend Doctor John Perumbalath, who recently joined after meeting members to discuss exploring the role of faith in social justice across our region.
The Network of Kindness is committed to supporting collaboration and skill building among social activists.
It offers a range of workshops, training sessions, and events designed to connect members and equip them to address social justice issues affecting communities across Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Halton, Warrington, Wigan, and West Lancashire.
Key areas of focus include food poverty and financial insecurity, children and families, displaced people, modern slavery, housing, the environment, mental health, and social isolation.
The Network of Kindness is free to join and welcomes individuals and groups who share Together Liverpool’s vision for a fairer, more generous society.
Thanks to National Lottery support the Network aims to reach an even broader audience, engaging people of all faiths and none over the next three years.
In its first three years, from April 2021 – April 2024, the Network of Kindness has:
- Worked with 95 churches to map 454 existing social action projects run by churches in 11 deaneries across the Diocese of Liverpool
- Delivered two Learning Community training courses with 26 churches in Sefton North and Huyton, leading to the launch or planned launch of 22+ new social action projects.
- Provided 13,103 meals for children and families to help tackle school holiday hunger through 91 Feast of Fun activities
- Hosted 93 workshops and events engaging 1,692 participants, and nurtured 150+ new partnerships
- Supported the launch of 14 food pantries, which have saved more than £1,400,000 from their members’ shopping bills (April 2024)
- Produced 36 newsletters highlighting social action events, campaigns and resources.
- Supported 30 projects to become Places of Welcome, offering a warm place for local people to enjoy a free hot drink and company
Autumn 2024 workshops, training & events: Among the Network of Kindness workshops being offered in autumn 2024 are sessions to introduce members to grant funders, and learn about: welcoming asylum seekers and supporting prison leavers in our communities, offering Places of Welcome for local residents of all ages, starting up a social enterprise, understanding trauma informed practice, and engaging civic leaders. (See below for dates and links to sign up).
An impact measurement tool is also being developed to help groups measure the difference their work is making, and a storytelling project will highlight the work of local groups.
Rev James Green, Executive Director of Together Liverpool, said: “We are grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for their continued support, allowing us to broaden our reach and engage a wider diversity of groups. The Network of Kindness aims to empower our members in their social action efforts, providing the resources they need to tackle shared challenges, seek effective ways to foster resilience and support one another. Over the past three years, we have seen the profound impact of kindness in our communities, and we look forward to continuing this vital work.”
Bishop John joined the Network of Kindness after meeting members to talk about exploring the role of faith in social justice, earlier this year. Bishop John said: “I am proud to be a member of the Network of Kindness. As people of faith, we are called to respond to the needs of our communities with compassion and a commitment to justice. The Network of Kindness embodies this mission, bringing together individuals, faith and community groups in a shared endeavour to build a more just, generous and fair society. I encourage people of all faiths and none to access this vital resource, enabling everyone to work more effectively for social justice across our region. By joining together, we can amplify our efforts to make a real difference in the lives of those who are most vulnerable, and help our communities flourish.”
Chair of Together Liverpool, Rev Canon Dr Ellen Loudon, Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Liverpool, and Canon Chancellor at Liverpool Cathedral, said: “Together Liverpool’s Network of Kindness is a vital initiative that empowers communities to come together in solidarity and action. We believe that every act of kindness can spark meaningful change. We’re delighted to receive our second National Lottery grant, enabling us to grow our work helping groups address poverty and injustice. I invite all faith and community groups to join us in this journey, as together we help create a kinder, more just and generous society.”
Rooted in the Church of England, Together Liverpool is an independently registered charity. Initially founded in 2013 as a joint venture by the Church Urban Fund and Diocese of Liverpool as part of the Together Network, the charity continues to receive support from both organisations.
Rob Wickham, CEO of the Church Urban Fund, said: “I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the impactful work carried out by Together Liverpool in our shared mission of promoting social justice and community cohesion. Together Liverpool plays a crucial role, facilitating collaborative efforts among faith-based organisations to address pressing social issues and foster positive change within our communities.”
What Network of Kindness members say: Together Liverpool carried out a survey of members in spring 2024. Over 90% of Network of Kindness members said they share a common purpose with other members. More than 85% believe they are adding value to each other’s work, whilst 92% said they were encouraged to collaborate through the network. This speaks of a membership who are increasingly well connected and united in their objectives.
“The Network has increased our ability to serve vulnerable individuals and families in our local community…. The Network has the potential to make a lasting difference in our communities”. – Network of Kindness member
“We’ve already got so much out of being part of the Network of Kindness, an awareness of other groups doing similar things, connecting us with volunteers, inspiring talks and input. “When you are in a small project it feels really good to connect with other people doing similar things, even if you don’t get to work together it’s wonderful to have a chance to share about what’s happening, learn from each other and speak your heart.” – Network of Kindness member
Find out more and join Network of Kindness here: https://togetherliverpool.org.uk/
Find us on Facebook: @togetherliverpool and X: @TogethLiv
Upcoming Network of Kindness workshops, training and events:
- Becoming a Place of Welcome – November 7th 2-3pm on-line: Join us to find out how Places of Welcome tackle loneliness by creating safe, friendly spaces in communities – and how you can launch one. We’ll be joined by Christ Church Norris Green to hear about their weekly Place of Welcome drop-in for the public. Read more and book.
- Welcoming Prison Leavers – November 27th & 30th at St Giles church Aintree: This two-part course with The Welcome Directory and Altcourse prison chaplaincy aims to empower faith leaders and their teams to welcome prison leavers in communities. Read more and book.
- Engaging civic leaders – with Steve Chalke MBE – December 3rd – We’ll welcome Steve Chalke MBE, founder of the Oasis Trust for an impactful session equipping attendees with strategies to engage civic leaders on social justice issues. Save the date. Details to be confirmed.
- Understanding Trauma Informed Practice – In partnership with Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, this session will draw on research into the neurobiology of trauma, to equip participants to recognise and respond to trauma in people they encounter. Details TBC.
- Launching a Social Enterprise – in partnership with social consultancy Roots & Branches. This promises to be an inspiring session to discover how social enterprise can be a powerful tool to help transform communities, and potentially unlock income. Details TBC.
Read two stories of new social action projects launched by Learning Community participants:
- St Gabriel’s church in Huyton Quarry– £30,000 community social action hub and cafe
- St Luke’s and St Jude’s in West Derby– lunch club to alleviate loneliness and food insecurity
