Dear John

Here's your weekly update from Church Action on Poverty - coming early this time, ahead of the Easter weekend. As usual, we have stories of how people are staying connected during the Coronavirus outbreak, and resources to help you do the same.

Gather with us: Tuesday 14 April, 2pm

Join our 60-minute virtual gathering at 2pm on Tuesday 14 April. We use Zoom - it's easy to connect using a computer or smartphone, or you can dial in using a normal phone.

This week, we'll be looking at how people with disabilities are being affected by the outbreak. There'll be input from Stef Benstead (Church Action on Poverty trustee and author of a powerful new book about the treatment of disabled people - see some of her reflections below) and other campaigners for disabled people's rights.

There will be time for social connection; inspiring interviews; ideas for action; input by poet in digital residence Matt Sowerby; and more!

Click below to see a report from last week's gathering and join this one:

Gather with us

Bold and courageous action is needed

Our Director Niall is calling for action to protect people from the biggest income shock in living memory.
Read Niall's call to action

Reflections on living in lockdown

Church Action on Poverty trustee Stef Benstead is sharing her reflections on the impact lockdown has on her life, as a person with chronic illness who's supported by benefits.
Read Stef's first reflection - on shopping

Pantry Friendship scheme: protecting people from food shortages

This week we launched a scheme that allows people to become Friends of Your Local Pantry, helping to ensure that our Pantries can continue supplying food to people on low incomes through the outbreak.
Find out about the Friends scheme

The churches' role in responding to Coronavirus

Stef Benstead is also sharing some theological reflections on how our churches are called to respond to the crisis.
Read Stef's first reflection, on the ministry of Jesus

We'll be in touch again next week - and we hope we'll see you at our gathering on the margins. In the meantime, stay safe and stay connected.

Best wishes

Liam Purcell
Church Action on Poverty