We’re equipping faith groups to take action and make a lasting difference in their communities.
Learning Communities is a structured four-session programme that supports churches and faith groups to launch or grow social action projects.
We help groups identify local needs, map existing support, and plan sustainable next steps. Whether you’re just starting out or building on what’s already happening, we’re here to support you.
Explore the sections below to find out more
Programme structure
Learning Communities is a structured, four-session programme delivered in person. Each session builds your group’s confidence and capacity to turn ideas into action. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Listening and equipping – Discover tools, resources and approaches to help you launch and sustain your social action project.
- Vision and counting – Develop a clear vision for your project and learn simple ways to measure its impact.
- Data and decisions – Explore the social action already happening in your area, and use local data and insight to shape your priorities.
- Campaigning and launching – Prepare to launch your initiative, raise awareness and engage your wider community.
Who is this for?
Our Learning Communities are designed for faith groups from across a local area such as a deanery, to journey and learn together. It works best when each church or faith group brings a small team, including a senior leader and those likely to help lead or run a project. Teams of four to six people offer a good balance of ideas, energy and focus, while staying small enough to make real progress.
How with this help my church or faith group?
Many church and faith groups want to make a difference but don’t always know how to take the next step. Our Learning Communities provides the space, structure and support to reflect, plan and act with confidence. It helps groups to:
- Focus your time and energy on what matters most
- Understand your local context and where your work fits in
- Strengthen relationships with others in your community
- Build a project that is practical, realistic and sustainable
- Gain encouragement from others on a similar journey
What does mapping existing social action involve?
Mapping social action is a key part of the Learning Communities process. We use local demographic data and cross reference with existing projects to help identify needs, spot gaps in local provision, and plan where support is most needed. This helps Learning Community participants to:
- Visualise existing local activity
- Connect with others nearby
- Shape projects with confidence
- Signpost people to existing local support
Impact and Storytelling – New social action projects launched
Learning Communities have helped faith groups across the region launch more than 20 new, practical projects that meet local needs. These projects have had a positive impact, providing new opportunities for community engagement and tackling local issues such as social isolation, food insecurity, and more.
Among them:
- St Gabriel’s Church in Huyton Quarry launched a £30,000 community social action hub and café.
- St Luke’s and St Jude’s in West Derby launched a lunch club to combat social isolation and food insecurity.
How can my faith group get involved?
Get in touch with us to let us know you’re interested! We’ll inform you when we’re
working in your area and reach out when it’s time to start mapping and planning.
How long will the process take?
From starting the surveys to completing the Learning Community takes just under a
year. This timeline gives you plenty of time to engage your church or faith group’s
governing body and to do the necessary work to develop your social action projects.
What about Fit for Mission?
Fit for Mission is a Liverpool Diocesan initiative designed to support churches as
they grow in the coming years. We work closely with the Fit for Mission team to
ensure that Learning Communities align with their their work, helping churches
across our Diocese meet their social action goals. We support churches whether or
not they’ve opted into Fit for Mission.
Learning Communities support faith groups to turn ideas into action through a structured, four-session training programme.
We help faith groups map local need, plan projects, and build confidence to launch new projects or develop existing ones.
“The Learning Community absolutely plugged into where we are as a deanery, helping us respond to the needs of local people. It’s been an energising, informative, and useful process – all really worthwhile. It’s helping us think strategically about overcoming problems and challenges and creating a pathway to properly develop our social action offer. Social justice is the core of the gospel, and this process has really helped us in that area. It’s one of the best-quality deanery opportunities we’ve been involved in.”
Revd Canon Malcolm Rogers MBE,
Vicar at St Gabriel’s and Area Dean for Huyton
Have your say
Your voice matters. We invite all members to actively participate in discussions, share feedback, and help shape the direction of the Network of Kindness.
Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate society.
Get Involved Today!
For questions or more information, contact our Executive Director, James Green.
Email:
james.green@togetherliverpool.org.uk
Sign-up today and be part of the change!