North Yorkshire police have teamed up with Christian charity, the Cinnamon Network to offer grants of £2000 to help North Yorkshire churches wanting to start new social action projects in their local area.
While three out of ten ‘micro-grants’ already awarded, a further seven are available to help churches kickstart a social action project recognised by the Cinnamon network (CRPs). These could be anything from Street Angels to Foodbanks, or from Christmas hampers to work with young offenders. (See the full list here )
The police in North Yorkshire have got behind the scheme because they say social and welfare issues account for a large amount of police time and money – and community projects will make a difference.
North Yorkshire’s Deputy Chief Constable, Tim Madgwick, said: “Social and welfare issues place a huge demand on police resources. So far this year, crime has accounted for around just 25 percent of the calls for service to North Yorkshire Police. The Cinnamon Network recognise this demand and that we cannot deal with society’s issues alone.
“It’s important to engage actively with our communities - including our local churches – to build good relationships. Stronger, engaged communities are more resilient and effective at dealing with crime, disorder and other social challenges.”
The awards so far have gone to three CRPs: a Baby Basics group for vulnerable mothers in Harrogate, a CAP Jobs Club, (Harrogate) and a Parish Nursing project in Selby.
Matt Bird, Founder of Cinnamon Network, said: “Rarely have there been times of greater social need in this country and individuals needing help. This partnership offers a chance to address needs on a local basis, which churches are well equipped to do as they serve their local communities. I am excited about the good work that can be started by these new micro-grants and look forward to hearing about the projects they instigate and the people whose lives they transform.”
The micro-grant of up to £2,000 will need to be match funded by any church wishing to start a CRP. This can be through in-kind contributions as well as cash. Cinnamon Network also supports individuals and teams delivering social action through a practical one day Leadership Training course and their new Community Transformation Programme (CTP).
The projects have the backing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby who said,“I’m enormously encouraged by all that I see churches doing to make a difference in their local communities and I’d love to see even more churches taking this step of faithful love and service. I’m very grateful to Cinnamon Network for all they are doing to help local churches set up projects to serve those most in need in their communities.”
For more information about the 30 Cinnamon Recognised Projects, how to apply for a micro grant, more details about leadership training or the Cinnamon Transformation Programme go to: www.cinnamonnetwork.co.uk
You can also speak to your local Cinnamon Advisors for Yorkshire: Peter Smith; or Alison Linfield; alisonlinfield@cinnamonnework.co.uk