Emergency fund will help tackle cost-of-living crisis
A new emergency fund will help churches across the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon to tackle the cost-of-living crisis in their communities.
The diocese is providing £165,000 for new and existing projects that address social outreach and look to help meet identified local needs arising from the crisis.
Such projects can include existing provision of food banks, warm banks, night shelters as well as new ideas to address local issues.
The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Lomas, said, “There are various grants now available to churches working in our diocese this coming winter, helping to relieve needs arising from fuel and food poverty crisis that is badly affecting our communities.
“I know that many of you are doing a huge amount, collecting and providing food through our food banks, along with lots of other new initiatives such as providing warm spaces and fellowship for people who are finding things particularly difficult.
“There is grant funding through a government scheme that can be applied for, but alongside that, we as a diocese are providing funding of £165,000 that can also be easily accessed to help churches help their communities.
“We would like to get a full picture of exactly what we as a diocese are doing to relieve the fuel and food poverty here in Swansea and Brecon. We also want to make sure that no church initiative is left out of this funding process because of difficulty with any application process, or because people are unaware of funding sources that can help.”
Archdeacon Peter Brooks and Diocesan Evangelism Officer Mandy Bayton will coordinate and compile a list of any churches involved and they will act as a point of contact to help explain the simple criteria for people to access funds.
The Diocese is committed to helping churches and ministry areas to transform the wider community by service that meets local needs. It is hoped that projects will extend the local church’s engagement with people and groups and introduce Christ in such a way that people may have the opportunity to consider following him.
Food and Fuel Campaign
The Church in Wales is running a Food and Fuel campaign to help people suffering from the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis. Find out how you can support it and help make a difference.
