Christian Aid is an agency of the churches in Britain and Ireland and is mandated to work on relief, development and advocacy for poverty eradication. Christian Aid’s work is founded on Christian faith, inspired by hope and acts to change an unjust world through charity – a practical love and care for our neighbours. Members of Christchurch take part in the annual Christian Aid door-to-door collection in May, collecting in the Clarendon Park and Stoneygate areas of Leicester.
The World Development Movement (WDM) is a UK-based anti-poverty campaigning organisation with a worldwide reputation for tackling hard-hitting, controversial issues. It believes a fairer world is possible if action is taken together. Just as campaigners stopped the transatlantic slave trade and won women the vote, global inequality can be ended.
This is the new name for the Methodist Relief and Development Fund.
All We Can is a pioneering international development, relief and advocacy organisation that believes in the power of partnership. It has its roots in the British Methodist Church and is inspired by Christian principles to focus on those in greatest need.
The Fairtrade Foundation promotes Fairtrade within the UK through activities such as lobbying the government and encouraging consumers to change their shopping habits.
The Foundation is reponsible for certifying Fairtrade products within the UK.
Also: Fairtrade International and the World Fair Trade Organisation
Traidcraft fights poverty through trade, helping people in developing countries to transform their lives. Established in 1979 as a Christian response to poverty, it is the UK’s leading fair trade organisation. It was one of the founding members of the Fairtrade Foundation.
Christchurch has a Traidcraft stall every Sunday morning, selling Fairtrade goods.
MHA is a charity providing care, accommodation and support services for older people throughout Britain. It is one of the most respected charitable care providers in the sector and amongst the largest charities in Britain, providing award winning services and specialist dementia care to older people for nearly 70 years. Members of Christchurch actively support the MHA Aigburth home, which is a few miles away. Aigburth has recently opened a brand new building, providing homes for 56 residents.
The Leicestershire and Rutland Relief of Suffering runs a hospice on the outskirts of Leicester for the care of the terminally ill. It is actively supported by Christchurch members.
City of Sanctuary is a national charity which tries to build a ‘culture of hospitality’ for people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Asylum seekers get a very bad press. Many people do not know the difference between asylum seekers, economic migrants and illegal immigrants. In fact, people seek asylum because they have suffered persecution at home. The City of Sanctuary movement assists legal asylum seekers with the necessities of life while their applications for asylum are being processed.
Action for Children is a charity with close links to the Methodist Church. It supports and speaks out for the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people, for as long as it takes to make a difference in their lives. It has an active supporters’ group in Christchurch.
“Spurgeons is working at the heart of communities, responding to the needs of children who have been ignored and broken. We believe every child needs a chance. Join us and child by child we will create a better future – together.” Spurgeons has its roots in the Baptist Church, and is supported by Christchurch (together with Action for Children).
Amnesty International works to uphold human rights throughout the world, through campaigning, researching and lobbying. An important part of its work is its letter-writing campaigns, mobilising thousands of ordinary people in support of individuals imprisoned for their beliefs.
Christians Aware is an international and ecumenical movement based in Leicester, aiming to develop multi-cultural understanding, raising awareness of the gifts and needs of God’s people everywhere. CA specialises in promoting international visits and exchanges between Christians in the UK and churches around the world. It holds meetings at Christchurch.
Leicester city centre is bursting with young people spilling out onto the streets from the pubs and clubs. Our Street Pastors are out Friday and Saturday nights to be on hand for those who may need our help. This could be a girl carrying her shoes where we offer her a pair of flip-flops so she doesn’t cut her feet or helping someone to get transport home. It has also been possible to help defuse arguments in or around the late night refreshment venues.
The Centre provides a range of social activities for lonely, socially isolated and vulnerable people living in Leicester. Established by the Central Baptist Church, the church donated part of its buildings and facilities for the exclusive use as a meeting place where people are helped to overcome barriers of social exclusion, emotional dislocation and or low self-esteem.
Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service for anyone in the UK and Ireland.
