DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said,
“I was delighted to attend this launch and commend Carla for this effort. Our faith-based organisations provide a support network which is invaluable in towns, villages, and rural areas across Northern Ireland. The local church hall is a tremendous resource, but likewise the pastoral care and visitation which helps tackle loneliness, the weekly events for people of all ages again help encourage and build better community infrastructure.
One significant causality of the last 18 months has been the disruption to church-based activities and we can see the mental health impact of people not being able meet up as they would have pre-pandemic.
I trust this publication will act as a signpost to help faith-based organisations to be better resourced to meet the needs of their communities.”
Carla Lockhart said:
“Churches are very much part of the fabric of the community here in Northern Ireland. Whilst their primary purpose of course is to proclaim the gospel and evangelise, many churches also are engaged in amazing work with people of all ages, from senior citizen clubs to the range of uniformed youth organisations that are part of the wider church family, to mother and toddler clubs and “men’s sheds” type projects.
I see on a daily basis the practical outworking of the Christian message, with food-banks operated from churches being one such example of the amazing, positive impact churches have in meeting the practical needs of the community.
This funding directory outlines a range of funds that are available to support the range of work undertaken by churches and faith-based organisations. As MP I have helped local churches draw down tens of thousands of pounds worth of funding. Yet more can be achieved, and more of that positive impact on community seen across this area and beyond. This directory is written to help this."
Call 028 38 310088 or email [email protected] to receive a copy.