This mind map was produced for the London Borough Faiths Network as part of the discussions reviewing the role of faith groups in the delivery of public sector services. It represents personal experiences and these contrast with other working in different London boroughs.
One of the biggest challenges is in engaging with local authority commissioning. In some cases faith groups are excluding from bidding for service contracts or applying for funding. Consortium working can be a solution. Also the development of alternative governance structures eg a CIC.
Faith groups continue to address gaps in services. These gaps are increasing as pressures on local authority budgets reduce scope to deliver services. Poverty, hunger, unemployment, debt, homelessness. All these real issues attract practical responses from faith groups across the spectrum.
Socially enterprising responses are developing as individual giving levels fall. Whilst there are still sources of grant funding and light touch faith based funders continue to support visionaries, other approaches are needed to sustain projects and services. Income generation eg through premises hire or trading are being developed.
The mind map is intended to support the discussion, and there are specific references to projects underway eg Living Way's homework club, SOFT (sharing our food together), Trussell Trust food banks.
If you would like more information on any of the strands - then please get in touch for details - karen@flourishing.me.uk
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