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
What does the programme cover and how long does it take?
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.
From starting mapping 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.
Who is this for and how can my faith group get involved?
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.
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 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
What has been the impact of Learning Communities so far?
Learning Communities have so far helped faith groups launch more than 20 new projects that meet local needs, as a result of Learning Communities in Huyton and Sefton North deaneries, in 2023/24.
Plans are in the pipeline for yet more social action projects to be launched in the West Derby and South Sefton deaneries, where thirteen churches took part in 2024/25.
These projects aim to have a positive impact, providing new opportunities for community engagement and tackling local issues such as social isolation, food insecurity, and more.
Scroll down the page to read stories about some of the new projects launched so far.
What about Fit for Mission?
Fit for Mission is a Liverpool Diocesan initiative designed to support churches as they grow in the coming years – and part of this includes a goal to launch ore social action projects.
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 goals.
We support churches to be part of the Learning Communities whether or not they’ve opted into Fit for Mission.
Mapping Social Action
Our Learning Communities support faith groups to turn ideas into action. As part of the programme, we work with groups to map existing church-led social action projects in their area.
Click the button to explore our latest maps from deaneries across the Diocese of Liverpool area.
Read our stories about social action projects from Learning Communities participants:
“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!