In response to some of these developments, a group of nine national Christian charities and one charity representing other faith groups has, for the past three years, been meeting as a coalition by the name of ‘Christians Together Against Loneliness’.
During this time, they have produced a resource called ‘Make A Meal of It’ which provides ideas and tips for churches who are running community lunches aimed at socially isolated older people.
Collectively, they have also engaged with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to raise awareness of the key role of churches and faith groups in addressing loneliness.
This also led to a recent opportunity to meet with the ‘Minister for Loneliness’, Mims Davies MP, to explore opportunities for engagement with faith groups.
The Bible teaches us that we are all to care for those on the margins of society and, by definition, many people struggling with loneliness are often unseen.
This provides a challenge in identifying those most at risk, but also provides an opportunity for us all to be alert and aware of those for whom this could be a part of their day to day lives.
“It is also often the case, particularly in rural areas, that church buildings are the only places to meet within the community.” @LivabilityUK @salvationarmyuk @LinkingLivesUK @FaithActionnet https://t.co/diz5ecvewd
— Christian Today (@ChristianToday) June 21, 2019