15/09/2026
'It shows just how widespread and relied upon church provision is’
New research shared in Westminster this week has highlighted the scale of church provision to local communities in areas such as:
- food provision
- debt advice
- mental health and wellbeing support
- youth activities
- and initiatives addressing loneliness.
The research was conducted by the charity Gather Movement, which is led by Baptist minister Roger Sutton.
Roger says: ‘Churches have long been part of the fabric of local communities. What this research does for the first time is to show, with evidence, just how widespread and relied upon this work is.
'It's about being more strategic. It also helps churches know what others are doing in their area, and it helps civic authorities know what the churches are doing.
'This all makes partnership so much easier and creates better outcomes for our communities.'
Read a summary here: https://ow.ly/L0R450ZMTIs
Access the research here: https://ow.ly/Ee6050ZMTIr
