Christians Together Against Loneliness is coalition of Christian organisations active in alleviating loneliness in society. We are working together to inspire, inform and challenge churches, Christian organisations and individual Christians around the issues of loneliness and isolation.
The organisations involved
BRF Anna Chaplaincy for Older People are equipping a network of people across the UK, to offer spiritual care to those in later life. Through their support, encouragement and by listening to their stories the older person feels valued and included, and so less isolated and alone. Messy Vintage offers a practical way to use Bible-based craft activities to reach out and provide group social events for older people.
The Arthur Rank Centre is an ecumenical Christian charity which has produced a Rural Isolation and Loneliness resource; providing practical ideas for individuals and churches to support the plight of loneliness on a local scale. A range of tools – such as the Rural Table Talk (from the Ugly Duckling Company) and a set of printable pledge cards – are also available to aid conversations around these topics, with the ultimate goal of bridging the disparity in rural relationships.
Embracing Age is a Christian charity working towards a world where older people are valued, connected and full of hope. They do this by alleviating loneliness amongst care home residents, supporting informal carers and equipping churches in their work amongst older people.
FaithAction is a national network of faith-based organisations (FBOs) involved in social action; from lunch clubs to “visiting teapots,” tackling loneliness and fostering belonging is at the heart of what FaithAction members do. FaithAction have published reports on the work of FBOs in tackling loneliness, and are currently working on a project to ensure these groups are well equipped to link in to social prescribing connector schemes across the UK.
Faith in Later Life exists to inspire and equip Christians to reach, serve and empower older people everywhere. A key part of our work is encouraging and equipping churches to reach older people in their communities who may be lonely or isolated. We support a national network of Church Champions, encouraging and equipping them in reaching older people in their communities. We also offer the DailyHOPE as a free tool to bring comfort and hope to people who are isolated and digitally excluded.
Linking Lives combats loneliness and isolation amongst older people by working with churches and Christian charities across the UK. This is achieved by setting up local befriending projects, training volunteers operating in community spaces and inspiring individuals to make a difference to the lives of those around them.
Parish Nursing trains and supports nurses and local churches/Christian organisations to reach out into their community using health care and health education with an intentional focus on spiritual care. Parish Nurses are particularly interested in the whole wellbeing of their patients and thus incorporate combatting loneliness as a central theme within their practice.
Sanctuary recognises that mental health challenges can affect anyone and that this can lead to isolation for those who live with ongoing mental distress. In producing resources and training we help equip the church to respond to these challenges, helping churches to grow communities which build participation.
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Truth Be Told: Storytelling For Life (TBT) is an intergenerational charity that helps churches to connect with local families, older adults in care homes and other isolated groups in the community through gospel-centred storytelling activities full of life, joy and hope. TBT equips churches with all the resources, training and support to make it really easy for them to encourage everyone to be family, enjoying, appreciating and learning together. In short, it's all about belonging!
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