Dear John

We have a new Chief Exec – and we’ll continue to be a catalyst for change!

You may be used to receiving emails from me about Church Action on Poverty. As of 1 July, I am stepping up to be Chief Exec of the charity. I want to thank you for giving, acting and praying with us - and share some of my hopes as we look to the future.

I’m excited to carry forward Church Action on Poverty’s amazing vision, and work closely alongside the many churches and other partners who share our values of dignity, agency and power. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that is always rooted in the lived experience of people who live with poverty.

I’ll focus on how we can be a catalyst for change in communities and a resource for churches who want to tackle poverty. We’ll also continue speaking truth to power and challenging injustice. And I want us to pioneer new ideas and approaches that can transform people’s lives, as we have done with programmes like participatory budgeting, Schools of Participation, and Your Local Pantry.

I spent a lot of last year listening deeply to our supporters and partners. I’m inspired by your commitment and vision, and I look forward to finding out what we can do together.

I know that the support we receive from churches is essential to sustain our work, and I’ve also seen first-hand the amazing difference that churches can make in their communities. If any churches are looking to tackle the injustice of poverty, we’d love to work together.

I invite you to make a commitment to give, act and pray with us now - by signing up your church to take part in Church Action on Poverty Sunday on 19 October!