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’.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n “It is also often the case, particularly in rural areas, that church buildings are the only places to meet within the community.” @LivabilityUK<\/a> @salvationarmyuk<\/a> @LinkingLivesUK<\/a> @FaithActionnet<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/diz5ecvewd<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Christian Today (@ChristianToday) June 21, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n