Dear John

Here's your weekly update from Church Action on Poverty. 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 21st April, 2pm

Join our 60-minute virtual gathering at 2pm on Tuesday 21 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 the benefits system and the difficulties faced by those trying to apply for Universal Credit. As millions of people apply for financial support during the crisis, this should be a really interesting discussion about how the the system is/isn't working.

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

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 reflection on isolation

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.

Another three weeks...

Nick Waterfield from the Parson Cross Initiative has written a moving reflection on the situation and how it has affected both his ministry and personal life and ministry, as we prepare ourselves for at least three more weeks of lockdown.
Read his blog post here

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

Felicity Guite
Church Action on Poverty