|
Written by Matt Bird
|
|
Tuesday, 26 February 2008 |
Matt Bird explains the valuable work of the organisation FaithAction.
FaithAction links together the work of faith-based organisations that deliver public services around the country. It is a national network made up of regional partners that mirror the nine government regional offices. They cover the vast spectrum of what is referred to as ‘public service delivery’, including supported housing, education for excluded young people and supporting exoffenders returning to society.
Like many early community initiatives in the UK, Aquila Way, an inspiring Housing Association based in the North East, came “Our strapline is ‘helping young people build a future’” about through a faith conviction to help people in need. Aquila Way works in partnership with local organisations and professionals to provide its clients with an opportunity to see – and be part of – a loving and supportive community that models family relationships. Securing all its money from government sources, Aquila Way has a range of supported housing projects, including those working with 16-30 year old women in need of 24 hour support, young women expecting a baby or with a child under 7, and help with finding tenancy for young men requiring assistance with life skills and access to study and training.
Faith-based organisations are also helping people into employment. Groups such as South Tyneside Training & Enterprise Network (TEN) offer a ‘safety net’ of support from the first day of unemployment. South Tyneside TEN receives referrals from Jobcentre Plus, voluntary agencies and training providers as well as recommendations from current and previous clients. This successful partnership was established by a group of churches with the support of the local Council, the Tyneside Training and Enterprise Council, the Employment Service and the Council for Voluntary Service.
FaithAction is here to strengthen these groups. It offers support in developing the skills and capacity of the organisations, and training that assists them with accessing funding. It represents their interests to Government through its partnership with the Office of the Third Sector, and it provides links to other organisations to encourage the formation of consortia that can deliver larger contracts.
On Tuesday 26th February 2008 FaithAction is hosting its first national conference, ‘Money Well Spent’, in Westminster. Its aim is to bring together small and large faithbased organisations delivering services and the relevant Government funding departments.
For more information, see www.faithaction.net/conference.
|
