Dear John

All of us want to live with dignity – to be treated as fully human, to have choices and be able to participate in our community. But this winter, the soaring cost of living will deny that dignity to millions of people. People will be forced to choose between heating or eating… to skip meals so their children can eat… to go cold and hungry in one of the world’s richest countries.

We want to celebrate the work of people, organisations and communities across England and Wales that are coming together to uphold people’s dignity, in the face of the cost of living crisis. Simple solutions – like the Universal Credit uplift that meant people had an extra £20 a week to cover costs – could make a huge difference. 

Challenge Poverty Week England and Wales is supported by Church Action on Poverty and numerous other national partners. It will be a chance for people and communities facing poverty to stand up with dignity, share stories, and speak out for a just solution to the cost of living crisis. Join us in calling for action to tackle the crisis.

Could your church be part of Challenge Poverty Week this year?

Challenge Poverty Week England & Wales is an opportunity for us all to say what needs to change to enable our own communities to thrive. It’s a chance for voices that are too often ignored to be heard loud and clear. It’s a chance to show that it is possible to build a better, more compassionate society in which everyone can live life to the full. And it’s a chance to start that journey, together, now.

If your church is involved in tackling poverty in your community – or wants to speak out in support of dignity for all - you could run an event or help to spread the word. 

We have a free toolkit to help you get involved - and we're running a special online briefing session for churches at 2pm on Wednesday 7 September. We hope you'll join us.

Best wishes

Liam Purcell
Church Action on Poverty