“Passing on the torch” will take place at St Joseph’s Church in central Gateshead on Wednesday 21 October, from 5pm to 8pm. The church is very near the Interchange and Metro station.

 

After more than 40 years of trailblazing and influential work, this will be the final event led by the regional group. It is now passing on the torch to others across the region, in churches, town halls, and the wider community, to continue the work of tackling poverty and promoting social justice.

 

If you live or work in North East England, come along to celebrate and remember some of the bold and exciting projects the group has led and been involved in over the decades. We’ll also hear from our guest speaker, Bishop Rob Wickham of the Church Urban Fund and John Battle, founder and first director of Church Action on Poverty nationally will be contributing.

 

Attendees will reflect together on the challenge of “What next?” for churches and social justice in North East England.

 

There will be a meal and drinks, and, most importantly, after so many years of shared work, an opportunity to meet old friends, make new connections and share memories of the difference people have made together. 

 

All are welcome on the evening. Booking is not essential, but it would greatly help organisers plan ahead if you could let Bernadette Askins know on bernadette.askins@talktalk.net

 

Localised Church Action Poverty groups were established in Newcastle and North Shields in the early 1980s, soon after the national organisation was founded. The larger North East group was then set up in 1988, and has done brilliant community and campaigning work over the years.

 

Highlights have included: