Social Action

21st January / 14th April / 17th June / 22nd September – online – 18:30-20:00

Social action and social justice can seem overwhelming. Where do we start? And what do we focus on?

In fact, social action can begin with really simple acts of relationship. Sharing a cup of tea with your neighbour or praying for your local area can be just as powerful for social action as volunteering at a food pantry.

In this workshop we will explore how the biblical concept of justice relates to social action today and break it down into easy-to -apply principles. It is for anyone who is looking to engage with their local community or who wants to explore the theological basis for the work that they are already doing.

Click here to sign up to one of the workshops

4th Monday of the month – online – 12:30-13:30

How do we build effective social action ministries that affirm the dignity and worth of all those we walk alongside?

Each month we take on a new topic, hearing from experienced practitioners and opening up a conversation amongst people across the diocese. Each webinar stands alone, so you’re free to attend the sessions most relevant to you. All are welcome, whether you have years of experience in social action or are still in the planning stage.

Topics include:

• 26th January – The Missional Potential of Tea and Biscuits
• 23rd Feb – In it for the Long Haul: What to do when Growth Feels Slow
• 23th March/27th April – Spotting the Signs of Modern Slavery in our Social Action Settings
• TBC – Working in Partnership with your Local Authority
• TBC – Understanding the Importance of Stay and Plays

Click here to sign up to the topics that interest you

Coming June 2026 – Times and Dates to be confirmed – St Clements, Dulwich 

Limited spaces will be available. To find out more or register your interest, please email Nicole McKeever at [email protected].

Material hardship is increasingly affecting individuals and families across our communities, from rising costs of living to mounting personal debt. Many find themselves just one unexpected bill away from crisis. As churches, we are called to respond not only with compassion but also in a way which affirms the dignity, agency and worth of each individual. We aim to offer long-term solidarity that can break cycles of poverty.

Find out more about the drivers and reality of poverty in the UK.

Poverty affects many areas of life, from food and clothing to heating, housing, and social connection. Responding well means meeting immediate needs, empowering individuals to create change, and working together for lasting change.

Some of the ways which churches are doing this across the Diocese include:

• CAP debt centres
• Community Organising and membership of Citizens UK
• Food pantries
• Breakfast or Lunch Clubs
• Building relationships with local councillors and MPs

Homelessness is complex and deeply rooted in wider issues like poverty, mental health, trauma, and the housing crisis. It isn’t just about sleeping rough; it includes people in temporary accommodation, sofa-surfing, or living in unsafe or overcrowded housing.

Find out more about the drivers and reality of homelessness here.

Some of the ways which churches are supporting those who are homeless across the Diocese include:

• Winter Night Shelters
• Advocacy and Support Hubs
• Hosting Projects

Community building is about creating spaces of belonging, where authentic relationships can grow. Many people facing poverty also experience isolation, poor mental health, and a lack of social connection. By coming alongside one another as neighbours, we can nurture spaces where confidence is rebuilt, trust is formed, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute and be heard.

Some of the ways which churches are building community in their local areas are:

• Men’s Shed
• Breakfast and Lunch Clubs
• Community Cafes

Need help signposting people in your parish?

Interested in social prescribing?

Warm Spaces Resource 

Setting up a Food Bank Resource

There is more detailed information available in a set of linked annexes and factsheets.

• Annexe 1 – Food Bank one pager
• Annexe 2 – If You Are Going To Serve Meals
• Factsheet 1 – Volunteer training
• Factsheet 2 – The Client Experience
• Factsheet 3 – Voucher Schemes
• Factsheet 4 – Potential funders
• Factsheet 5 – Partner Charities

Disclaimer: The information is intended only to help you consider what is needed. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are operating legally, and the Diocese of Southwark takes no responsibility for the operation of any individual service.

Conducting a risk assessment is very important for any type of project and activity, and even more when dealing with vulnerable individuals. If you do not a risk assessment model in place yet, you are encouraged to use the templates below produced by Ecclesiastical.

• Risk Assessment (Small churches)
• Risk Assessment (Large churches)
• Church Self Assessment Questionnaire 
• Worked Example (Risk assessment questionaire)
• Food Safety Checklist

Project Evaluation Tool

Embrace Every Day Justice this Lent

Church Urban Fund have a study series on social action which can be used to facilitate thought and discussion on community engagement. You can access them here.