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‘New Deal’ will help strengthen link between faith
groups and government as we work together to build back
better.
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Faith-based organisations will be able to bid for share
of the fund
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Funding will support projects focussed on loneliness,
debt advice and employability
A ‘new deal’ between faith groups and Government to capitalise on
efforts to help communities during lockdown is being forged today
(9 September) thanks to a new £1 million fund.
From delivering food to front line workers and vulnerable members
of society, supporting those who were lonely or isolated and
helping vital information get to those who needed it most, faith
groups have been instrumental in supporting communities
throughout the pandemic.
Now faith groups will be able to apply for a share of the £1
million Faith New Deal Pilot Fund for projects providing
innovative solutions to issues such as food poverty and poor
mental health.
Projects combating loneliness and isolation, providing debt
advice and helping those who were unemployed during the pandemic
get back to work are set to benefit from the new pilot.
Faith groups have used their trusted position at the heart of the
communities they serve, innovating to overcome challenges quickly
and utilising their already well-established volunteer networks.
The funded projects will build on this good work, strengthening
relationships between public bodies and faith groups by
supporting faith-based initiatives to tackle social issues and
boost COVID-19 recovery.
Faith Minister Lord said:
“Over the last 18 months, I have seen first-hand the outstanding
work faith groups are doing to serve their communities.
“Their vital work has helped the most vulnerable members of
society during the pandemic with crucial support and services.
“This new fund will draw on that wealth of experience and energy,
for the benefit of all.”
ENDS
Further information
The Faith New Deal pilot fund is a response to recommendations
made in Danny Kruger’s report for government, ‘Levelling up
our communities: proposals for a new social covenant‘ and
the APPG on Faith and Society’s report,‘Keeping the Faith –
Partnerships between faith groups and local authorities during
and beyond the pandemic’ Both set out the ability of faith
groups to provide innovative solutions to complex problems and
make valuable contributions to all parts of society. The fund
will be open to faith-based organisations to deliver projects to
provide community wide services open to all the local population.
Additionally, the funded projects will aim to have a positive
impact in fostering good relations between people of faith and
those of other faiths or none within local communities.
For more information https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/faith-new-deal-pilot-fund
