Andy Blakey, Thurrock Faith Action Audit facilitator, & Tim Harrold, Transformation Thurrock co-sponsor

Press Release
9 November 2015
Thurrock Faith In Action posteThurrock Celebrates Faith In Action

Earlier in 2015, Faith Communities across Thurrock took part in Cinnamon Network’s national Faith Action Audit.

Facilitated by Andrew Blakey on behalf of Transformation Thurrock and Thurrock Faith Matters, the audit measured the social action undertaken by faith groups in the borough, which comes to a conservative 110,000 volunteer hours a year, worth over £1.5million.

Now, on Thursday 19 November, the local Faith Action Audit will be launched at the Gateway People’s Centre in Stanford-le-Hope at an event called Thurrock Faith In Action.

The Thurrock Faith In Action event comprises of two parts. From 4pm, there will be a ‘marketplace’ where a dozen projects will be showcased.

Then at 7pm, community leaders and change agents will come together to celebrate the findings of the Thurrock Faith Action Audit.

This will include presentations of three of projects by faith groups that are impacting the community. There will also be a panel featuring the Bishop of Bradwell, Rev John Wraw; the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, Nick Alston; Thurrock Lunch Club and Make Lunch’s Elle Knight; and a representative from Thurrock Council.

Both of Thurrock’s MPs, Jackie Doyle-Price and Stephen Metcalfe, will be attending if Parliamentary business permits.

Thurrock was the only area in Essex that took part in the national Faith Action Audit sponsored by the Cinnamon Network. Cinnamon’s national director, Matt Bird, says, “The Faith Action Audit helps local churches to measure the social impact and economical value of what they do in communities.”

A printed copy of the Thurrock Faith Action Audit report will be available at the end of the event.

This Press Release has been sent to all local news media. See also http://www.thurrock-celebrates.org.uk/

Links to other media coverage of the Cinnamon Faith Action Audit nationally and locally:

Photo of Thurrock Lunch Club in action
Recent comment by mum:
“I have attended the Thurrock Lunch Club this week with my daughter and have had a wonderful time. The staff, volunteers and other parents have made us feel most welcome, providing us with a sense of community belonging and a delicious lunch! This is a lovely environment for the children. Thank you.”

Thurrock Lunch Club - Make Lun