Community resources focus on human rights
The latest Community Mission newsletter highlights Christian projects in the UK involved with those in prostitution and trafficking in the hope that the Church would not shy away from such an important issue.
Funding
National Churches Trust provides grants to churches in the UK for structural repairs or facilities that will benefit the local community and worshipping community. The building must be used regularly for worship, part of a denomination that is a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and involve an architect or surveyor that is accredited. Repair grants of £10,000 and above are available for projects over £50,000 for essential work to safeguard the building. Community grants from £2,500 to £25,000 can be used to benefit the church and local community, but this must not exceed 50% of the total project. Read the FAQs, read about recent grants awarded or download an application form. For more information, contact the grants team or phone 020 7600 6090.
The cosmetics company Lush provides funding for grassroots charities, as well as groups not registered as charities, working in the fields of environment and conservation and human rights. Grants of between £200 and £10,000 are available although the average grant is £3,000. All applicants must be involved in work that is environmentally responsible, non-violent and not harmful to animals. They generally fund small projects with annual incomes of less than £250,000. There are no application deadlines and successful applicants will be notified in six weeks. There are no required monitoring forms. Read who they like to fund or, to receive an application form, email Sophie.
MODCARE assists organisations in the UK engaged in education, furthering health or relieving poverty, distress or sickness. Funding is awarded to projects supporting children and young people, older people or disabled people. There is no application form, deadline or website. Apply in writing to Mr Anthony Oliver Salt, MODCARE, 100 Colworth Road, London, E11 1JD or phone 020 7218 3023.
Completing a funding application? Why not check out the annual Social Trends Report to use some accurate staistics in your application. It’s a fascinating look into modern British life. Nick Spencer, Director of Studies at Theos, summarises the results, “My comfort and my leisure are on the up. But my willingness to sacrifice what I have – for other people, for children, for the future, for the common good – is declining.”
 Events
Churches for All, the network of Christian disability organisations, is hosting Enabling Church: disability, wholeness and Christian theology on 7 October at Friends Meeting House, London. Aimed at church leaders, members and community project staff, the event will focus on increasing the engagement of disabled people within church life. Workshops include providing help for carers, including children with disabilities and dealing with the onset of disability. Speakers include Joni Eareckson Tada (by video link) and Malcolm Duncan, founder of ‘Church and Community’ and others. It is £25 per person and can be booked online on the Premier Radio website. For more information, phone 08456 525 252.
"Journeying with…" is The National Christian Alliance on Prostitution’s (NCAP) conference on 15-17 October at Hothorpe Hall in Leicestershire. It is aimed at Christians who are engaged with the issue of sexual exploitation. The focus will be on the different ways that we journey in our lives. Booking fees are between £135 and £199 depending on the type of room. Complete the booking form or phone 0845 004 4231 for more information. Their Good Practice Guide shares insight on setting up a project.
Stories and Resources
Dave Andrews, community worker, author and founder of the Waiters Union in Australia, is leading a series of talks and workshops at Greenbelt in Cheltenham on 27-30 August. He will use his recent book, Plan Be, to challenge Christians to live out the Beatitudes rather than using them as simply spiritual teaching. With practical ideas and stories of those who have inspired him, Plan Be has also been launched as a website www.wecan.be . His how-to guide and interactive workbook for community ministry, Compassionate Community Work, is available from the Community Mission website for £6. It is also now a DVD course and samples of the sessions are available on Dave Andrews’ website.
For many Christians involved in community mission, this time of year often means a break from frontline work. Pete Grieg, Director of Prayer at HTB and founder of 24-7 Prayer, shares his honest feelings about tiredness and a desire to escape in Passion Fatigue, a short article on the 24-7 Prayer website.
Beyond the Streets, formerly the Door of Hope project, is a Christian charity working to end sex trafficking, prostitution and sexual exploitation. They not only take part in campaigning but also provide practical help to those attempting to leave prostitution. Their Working the Streets book, available from the Community Mission website for £6, provides help for churches that would like to reach out to prostitutes. With information on addiction, health issues and building relationships, it also gives tips on setting up an outreach ministry. There are many ways to get involved in the work of Beyond the Streets.
 Community Mission is a partnership between Tearfund and Livability. Click here to sign up to future editions of their e-newsletter.
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