Neighbourhood Organising
This new stream of work equips churches to embed and cement relationships and action for the common good with their diverse neighbours in a way that is relationally and financially sustainable.
Drawing on the success of the relational and convening role of churches during the pandemic (for example St George’s and the Shadwell Responds, St Andrews and Stamford Hill Unite) and harnessing the asset-based methodology of the Near Neighbours programme a new stream of work emerged. Its main objectives are twofold:
- Developing relationships across difference in a hyper local neighbourhood with a church becoming a hub – a catalyst of local training, listening, action and relationships building with neighbouring institutions.
- Developing church’s financial resilience by managing their financial assets better and upskilling church members in fundraising and developing their capacity.
Near Neighbours
CTC is also the east London hub of the Near Neighbours programme. It promotes
1) Social interaction – to develop positive relationships in multi-faith areas; to help people from different faiths get to know and understand each other better.
2) Social action – to encourage people of different faiths and of no faith to come together for initiatives that improve their neighbourhood.
The programme works in a number of key locations across England – developing the networks and capacity of local communities and organisations through sustainable initiatives that will continue to impact long into the future.
In eastern London, our Near Neighbours hub is harnessing the potential of community organising to develop grassroots leaders and build relationships of solidarity and trust. It is co-ordinated by Marzena Cichon-Balcerowicz.