Resources include funding, training and events
The latest Community Mission newsletter highlights sources of funding that Christian projects can apply for and information about a Christian network for simpler living.
 FUNDING
Tearfund’s IMPACT UK team are again inviting applications for their Accompaniment Programme involving grants of up to £10,000 per year for three years for UK-based Christian community projects. The grant includes capacity development and access to resources and Tearfund events. Priority will be given to local evangelical church projects and Christian organisations using community development principles in areas of deprivation. In order to register interest, guidelines can be obtained by email from Tearfund. The stage one application must be sent in by 5 October.
Help the Homeless is a UK-wide charitable trust that provides funding to projects that help homeless people resume a normal life. Their small grants of up to £3,000 can be used towards capital costs by small to medium-sized charities with a turnover of less than £1 million per year. Larger grants are available to help larger organisations become more innovative. The overall focus of the work must be on helping homeless people return to mainstream society rather than simply offering shelter. The next application deadline is 30 September. Read a list of recent grants awarded, download an application form or phone 020 7636 1428.
The Allen Lane Foundation, set up by the late Sir Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, offers grants to charities in the UK that help those who are disadvantaged including asylum seekers, migrant workers, older people, offenders and ex-offenders, people with mental health problems, people experiencing abuse and gypsies and travellers. Grants of up to £15,000 are available and are given over one to three years. The aim of the work should be to make a lasting difference to people’s lives, reduce isolation and encourage disadvantaged groups to take part in community life. Several Christian charities have received funding. For more information, phone 01904 613 223.
TRAINING AND EVENTS
 Following requests from churches and Christian projects for training on working with those affected by drug and alcohol addiction, Livability is hosting ‘Just say yes!’ Practical ways the church can respond to people affected by drug and alcohol addiction on 24 November in central London. Facilitated by Sarah Brighton, Chief Operations Manager at drug education charity Hope UK, the day will include current trends in drug and alcohol use, basic teaching on the laws relating to drug use, how a church can practically respond and what we can learn from the Bible about addiction. The day is aimed at those with experience as well as those hoping to help people in the future. It is £30 per person including lunch and it is essential to book and pay online. For more information, contact Jill Clark or phone 020 7452 2018.
In response to requests for help in working with older people, Livability is hosting Beyond the Lunch Club: How churches can work effectively with older people on 25 November at the Mirfield Centre near Wakefield. Facilitated by local practitioners and older people themselves, the day will explore links between poverty, ill health and life expectancy as well as the spirituality of older people, case studies of engaging with them and how to appreciate the stages of ageing. It is £20 per person and it is essential to book and pay online. For more information, contact Ruth Smith or phone 0113 350 8070.
STORIES AND RESOURCES
Love is a Verb is a learning resource to inspire and equip Christians to put their faith into action in tough places. It focuses on both the biblical reasons to get involved as well as practical teaching on issues such as debt, prostitution, relationships and addiction. It has been run over the last eight years by Catalyst Trust and is now being developed into a DVD course. The first three DVDs are available now and can be used by churches and home groups. The course is also being run over 21 weeks in London: starting 4 October in East London and 5 October in Peckham. The cost for the year is £295 with weekly sessions running from 7-9:30pm. There is a bursary rate of £190 for low-income participants. Read what past participants say or book online.
After beginning six years ago with a small group of Christians, Street Pastors is now operating across the UK with 125 teams and over 3,000 Christians helping to reduce crime and violence in their communities. A week of prayer for their work is happening 24-31 October. To read a short book that discusses the general principles behind Street Pastors and why local partnership is important, order Charismatic and Connected for £2 from the Community Mission website.
Breathe, a Christian network for simpler living, has a regularly updated blog with information on how to fight the battle against over-consumption. It has recently launched Conspiracy of Freedom, a website with three new videos that can be used as part of a church service or with a home group to spark discussion on these issues. The videos ask questions about how it is possible to live contentedly, give generously and resist greed. Jeremy Williams, one of the Breathe founders, is leading a workshop at the Community Mission Conference on 1 October in London.
 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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