Mini-summit held to tackle community needs

Faithworks charity held a Mini Summit on the 12th of November aiming to tackle the crucial needs of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) and share how their spiritual faith connects with the community. 

The local Christian charity met people in their times of crisis through projects around food, finance, homelessness and lone parenting. 

The charity partnered with The Gather Movement for the Summit. 

Gather focus on transformation and unity of churches and organisations in cities and towns.   

 Andy Mulock, the South West regional connector for the Gather movement, said: “Church partnerships and church leaders loving their communities are essential to see a social, cultural and spiritual change. 

“There are so many things we can learn from one another.” 

Alistair Doxat – Purser, CEO of Faithworks, said: “There are many things we can do as individual organisations.

“But if we want to be available to go and spread the gospel and give to the community, we should make the best of all our connections.”

National statistics:

 The 2021 National Census recorded that at least half of the BCP area was living in deprivation.  

Reverend John Good, lead Chaplin of YMCA Bournemouth, said: “I couldn’t believe that the statistic the council used said that 40% of the BCP live below that 20% of the most deprived in England.” 

After spending time at the summit, Reverend John also said: “I like the idea The Gather Movement gave out about goal setting and collaborating with other people. 

“This makes the goals for the community rather than just in church.” 

Faithworks future aims are to continue to help people practically and give a sense of spiritual hope. 

They’re also working towards having their own Hope into Action franchise. 

Hope into action is a national charity that focus on allowing the church to house the homeless. 

Alistair said: “We would provide tenancy workers and then a friendship team to help work alongside the families we manage to place.  

“It’s so crucial for on-going support. Seeing an individual’s life utterly transformed is where we love to work.”