We work with people in poverty, churches of all denominations, community groups and others, to identify the causes of poverty and address them together.
We put gospel values of justice and compassion into practice, inspired by the Christian call to challenge unjust structures. We engage in social action, political engagement, prayer and theology.
Poverty is a form of oppression. It is the needless, scandalous result of human decision and indecision.
The UK has the money and the knowledge to create a wonderful and just society, full of opportunity and security. But right now, the country allows poverty to continue. It denies people dignity, freedom and power in their own lives, and locks many people out of the shared spaces and opportunities that should belong to us all.
We urgently need power-holders to work with people in poverty to address this, to allow all people a fair chance to live life to the full.
We know that the real experts on poverty are the people who live it. Our work is driven by their experiences and knowledge.
We cherish lasting relationships, and support people with first-hand insights to dig deep into the causes of poverty in their community, and then to be seen and heard where it matters: in our churches, in the media, in our local and national politics; wherever decisions are made that will affect their lives.
We want to dismantle barriers to participation. We know people and communities have immense wisdom and inherent power to generate and help create solutions to the issues they face. We bring decision-makers and ordinary people together, to find joint solutions – and, if need be, we support people to demand to be heard.
We are full of hope. The people, churches and grassroots groups we work with have immense and inspiring compassion and goodness.
But we know that hope without action is meaningless. Hope must inspire action. We believe in the power of the church as a force for good, and so we equip and encourage churches and Christians to take local action and also to work for wider social justice, sharing knowledge, connections and resources and learning.
Our vision, as a Christian organisation, is of a UK transformed, a country where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We believe that vision can be realised.
working to become more justice-focused
organising events in Challenge Poverty Week
giving, acting and praying with us
across the UK
Challenging churches to build 'a poor church that is for the poor'.
Transforming lives through micro-savings, enterprise, and building skills and confidence
Supporting people to tell their stories and take action for change
Growing network of member-run food clubs saving big on the weekly shop.
say joining a Local Pantry has improved their household finances
giving, acting and praying on Church Action on Poverty Sunday
by Your Local Pantry members on their weekly food shop
working to tackle the root causes of UK poverty, since we were founded in 1982
Find a group of Church Action on Poverty supporters near you - or start your own!
