Debt initiatives around the dioceses
The Church of England - in its dioceses and parishes - is
providing practical responses for people affected by the current
recession.
For example, there is a growing number of parish
debt advice centres run by churches around England in
collaboration with Christians Against Poverty and other
organisations.
What follows is a series of snapshots of current activities -
which is being updated regularly:
Diocese
of Hereford
The Community Larder project is asking local
churches to supply food which can be made up into bags to provide a
meal for a person or a family which cannot provide for itself.
Diocese
of Liverpool
The Diocese has written and promoted a section on
its website to help churches support people both spiritually
and practically through the recession.
Diocese of
London
South East Hackney Cluster of churches is
setting up a food bank which will involve members from all six
parishes as volunteers in this provision of food parcels to
families and individuals in need.
Diocese
of Manchester
The Diocesan Grants Panel has agreed that Small Parish
Mission Fund grants of up to £500 can be awarded to
parishes carrying out new work to respond to the current economic
climate, by offering help and support to people who are unemployed
or who are working with issues around debt.
Diocese of York
St Mary's, Scarborough, run The Rainbow
Centre, which among other things offers debt advice and
independent support to community members struggling with their
personal finances.
St Mary's, Tadcaster, run Stepping
Stone, a charity providing information on job vacancies, benefits,
debt and fincial advice, support on dug and alcohol advice, welfare
issues, youth matters etc.