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Community Support

Inclusive community engagement and social justice are key parts of our discipleship and diocesan vision

Inclusive Communities

People of all abilities :

Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing

At all levels, the Church can be ‘a voice for the voiceless’, helping to reduce the stigma often associated with peoples’ mental health.

The effects of mental health problems are huge, and given the challenging times we are living in, it’s more important than ever that we take steps to support good mental health and our local churches are well-placed to be communities of support and care for those in need.

Interfaith Engagement

The Diocese of St Albans is a diverse diocese.  It includes a significant number of parishes where other faith communities comprise more than ten percent of the population.  Broadly speaking, there are large Jewish communities in south Hertfordshire and Barnet, and large Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities along the diocesan spine of Watford, Hitchin, St Albans, Luton and Bedford.

As a diocese we are committed to engaging with and partnering with members of other faith communities for the common good, pursuing mission in a global world.

Interfaith Advisers

Interfaith Advisers support parishes and clergy throughout the Diocese. The primary role of the Adviser is to be a source of advice and to encourage networking among those who minister in multi-faith areas. Our two interfaith advisers are:

The Revd Dr Alec Corio (also Rector of St Mary’s East Barnet)

Ulrike Hunt (also works for The Feast, Luton)

The Diocese also works in partnership with Grassroots in Luton, who support our interfaith engagement by:

  • being a source of expert advice
  • supporting the Interfaith Advisers in their role
  • organising occasional diocesan-wide training opportunities
  • providing a strategic overview to the ongoing need and work.

Other resources from the Church of England on how and why Christians should get to know neighbours of other faiths.

Race and Ethnicity

The Diocese of St Albans acknowledges past shortcomings and is working towards being a generous community of justice and equality, committed to seeing the image of God in every person, irrespective of background, race and ethnicity. We strive to be generous in our love of others as we work towards ending misunderstanding, racism and injustice to create flourishing communities.

We are committed to becoming a family of churches, schools and chaplaincies within which all can flourish. Within this we are dedicated to advancing the participation of those of Global Majority Heritage / UK Minority Ethnic Heritage; to making sure that those voices are fully heard; to becoming a consciously inclusive Diocese that fully reflects the diversity of its population; and to ensuring that clergy and laity of any background can minister anywhere in the Diocese without discrimination or hindrance.

‘There is neither Jew nor Greek … for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ – Galatians 3: 28

Compassionate God, who sent Jesus Christ to deliver us from all manner of injustices and inequalities, create in us new hearts and enlarged visions, to see the image of God in every person irrespective of background, race and ethnicity. May we be generous in our love of others as we work towards ending misunderstanding, racism and injustice; creating communities of human flourishing, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Older People

Churches welcome and support people of all ages.

  • Anna Chaplaincy – offering spiritual care in later life
  • Making a meal of it– Shaftesbury resources for connecting with older people
  • Virtual Village Hall – online activity hub from the Royal Voluntary Service, for staying physically and mentally active and connected
  • Linking Lives – training for volunteers hosting conversations in community cafes, lunch clubs or community drop-in centres
  • Faith in later life – inspiring and equipping Christians to reach, serve and empower older people
  • Salvation Army – care and activities for older people
  • AgeUK – advice, information and support for elderly people
  • NHS – improving care for older people
  • Office for National Statistics – voices of our aging population
  • The Silver Line – 24 hour free support helpline
  • U3A – University of the Third Age. Staying active in later life
  • Churches Together – ways to work together with older people
  • Cinnamon Trust – national charity for elderly people and their pets

LGBTQI+

About identity, sexuality, relationships and faith

Living in Love and faith – teaching and learning about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage

Prayers of Love and Faith – resources for praying with and for a same-sex couple 

Family, marriage and sexuality – Church of England resources

Community Action

Homelessness

Whole sections of our society, including people of all ages, are affected by the housing crisis, but those caught in poverty bear the brunt of homelessness.

Local organisations and charities supporting homeless people

  • Centre 33 – for those in need or homeless in St Albans
  • DENS – rebuilding lives in the Dacorum area
  • Emmaus Hertfordshire – helping formerly homeless people
  • Emmaus Village Carlton – providing a home and meaningful work for people who have experienced homelessness in the Bedfordshire area
  • Herts Young Homeless – preventing homelessness by supporting 16-24 year olds in their first homes or caring for adults of all ages who have mental health issues and housing needs
  • Open Door – night shelter and services for homeless people in St Albans
  • Haven First – supporting single homeless people in Stevenage and North Hertfordshire
  • New Hope – preventing homelessness and transforming lives in Watford
  • Bedford Homeless Partnership – a group of charities in Bedford preventing homelessness and supporting those who are homeless to get back on their feet.
  • Kings Arms Project –  a charity tackling homelessness, displacement and isolation in Bedford and beyond
  • NOAH – welfare and day centre in Luton, street outreach and training

National organisations and more information

Warm and Welcome Spaces

The cost-of-living crisis is already affecting millions across the UK, with many reporting they will be unable to switch on the heating. Everyone should have a warm and welcoming space to go to in winter. This could be a church, part of a community organisation, a library or a business. Many faith groups across the UK have opened their doors to help.

Creating warm and welcoming spaces

Are you planning to create a warm and welcoming space in your church building (or hall) for the people of your local community to meet during the autumn and winter months? If so, would a small grant help you to do this?

Grants of £250 are available from Mission and Ministry team.

The application process is simple:

  • Send a brief email to the Mission and Ministry team on mm@stalbans.anglican.org with how and when you would use a £250 grant to help welcome your community into your building during this time
  • Provide your church / parish name and bank details: account name; sort code; account number.

All we ask is that you send us some pictures (with any necessary permissions) and possibly a short one paragraph story, so we can share on social media, reflecting how the grant has helped support you to create warm and welcoming spaces.

More information on creating warm and welcoming spaces

  • Warm welcome space – find out where local warm and welcoming spaces are – and register your space
  • Safe, warm and welcome – a guide for winter health and well-being from the Royal Voluntary Service
  • Acts 435 – financial help for individuals in poverty via churches and charities with warm and welcoming spaces
  • Renew Wellbeing – helping churches open spaces of welcome and inclusion to improve mental and emotional wellbeing
  • Church Works Commission – bringing together churches and Government to support the vulnerable in our communities and tackle the cost-of-living crisis
  • Together Network – a network of Christian charities committed to tackling poverty and transforming communities
  • Neighbourly –  helping businesses make a positive impact in the community by donating volunteer time, money and surplus products
  • Community Libraries Network – sharing ideas, experience and inspiration
  • Together – a coalition building kinder, closer and more connected communities

Food Poverty

Food poverty

An increasing numbers of people in the UK are now experiencing extreme hardship. There is a need for more food banks, community larders and parish pantries.

Additional support could be a simple food parcel or voucher-distribution scheme, or a means of re-distributing good quality surplus food from the food industry to charitable support groups for low income, homeless and other vulnerable people.

More information
  • The Trussell Trust – supporting a network of food banks to provide emergency food and support to people in poverty, and campaign for change to end the need for food banks in the UK
  • Salvation Army – information on local food banks and other services
  • Citizens Advice – advice on using a food bank and referrals
  • Bankuet – making it easier to give to food banks
  • UK Harvest – helping people in need to get food
  • Fare Share – fighting hunger and tackling food waste
  • RSPCA – finding a pet food bank
  • Hygiene Bank – providing toiletries
  • Church Urban Fund – helping to mobilise communities of support and connect people with the help that’s available
  • Churches Together in England – resources for churches working together to provide for those suffering from food poverty, hunger and insecurity
  • Children’s Society – ending child poverty
  • Kids Matter – reducing the impact of poverty on children

Fair Trade

In our daily lives and in particular when we shop, are we using the honest weights and scales the Bible tells us that we should?

Or are we always looking for a bargain without considering who is really paying the price? God wants us to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly.

The fields of the poor may produce abundant crops, but injustice sweeps it awayProverbs 13:23

Faith groups are key supporters of Fairtrade and thousands of churches making the connection between trade and poverty, and committing to using Fairtrade products including tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits over the past 25 years has formed a central pillar of the Fairtrade movement. 

The Fairtrade Foundation works for better prices, safe working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. There are over 6,000 Fairtrade products from coffee and tea to flowers and gold, so when you shop, look for the FAIRTRADE Mark. 

Find out more about Fairtrade for places of worship – how to become a fairtrade church.

Traidcraft were the original fair trade pioneers in the UK, and advocated of the importance of organic farming, sustainability, and transparency to the lives of growers and artisans around the world. Unfortunately Traidcraft ceased trading in 2023, but are now working in partnership with ethical business in the UK.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2026 takes place from Monday, 21 September to Sunday, 4 October 2026. The annual event highlights the challenges faced by farmers and workers in developing nations—such as climate change and unfair pay—and encourages people to choose certified ethical products.

Debt, Money and Credit Unions

Local Credit Unions

Refugees and Asylum Seekers

  • Providing a genuine welcome and sanctuary resonates with the story of Saint Alban – Britain’s first martyr.
  • Alban protected the life of a Christian priest called Amphibalus, who was seeking asylum in England. The Roman soldiers beheaded Alban when he refused to turn Amphibalus over to them, and gave himself in his stead.
  • Alban is an exceptional example of Christian sacrifice and hospitality – and his story provides inspiration and guidance in the current refugee crisis.
  • Information and local organisations
  • Supporting Asylum Seekers – Guidance for clergy from the Church of England
  • Toolkit for welcoming Afghan refugees – from the Church of England
  • Refugee Council  – for professionals seeking to offer help and support to refugees
  • Syrian refugees – resources and information from the UK government
  • Watford & Three Rivers Partnership  – Local services for refugees.  Volunteers and donations welcome
  • Herts Welcomes Syrian Families – Local services for Syrian refugees
  • Luton Roma Trust – helping the local Roma who have migrated to the UK to rebuild their lives in the town
  • Practical Support – housing and fostering
  • Sanctuary Foundation – promoting refugee welcome and welfare. Information on hosting, resources and training
  • Citizens UK – Sponsor refugees. Campaigning to house refugees and asylum seekers – looking for houses to rent
  • Positive Action in Housing – hosting a refugee in your home
  • Fostering asylum seekers in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire

Safeguarding for refugees and asylum seekers

Refugees fleeing their country are vulnerable people. As such, it is important that people offering accommodation or wider support should be familiar with the safguarding guidance notes written specifically with Ukrainian refugees in mind.

People arriving in the UK having fled the war in Ukraine are particularly vulnerable. In pursuit of safety they have been torn from their families and communities and may have witnessed terrible things. They may have suffered bereavement, war trauma, and have arrived in a country where cultures and language are different. It is unknown how many people will arrive, or how long they will remain in the UK.

We are hugely grateful to all those who offer accommodation and other kinds of support to people fleeing the war. As responses are made to the situation that exists, it is imperative that these happen with as much regard as can possibly made to the high standards of safeguarding that our churches expect – both on the parts of those who offer accommodation and by those who will take offers up.

This guidance outlines basic measures that need to be put in place to ensure the safeguarding of everyone involved in accommodating or supporting those fleeing the war. It is a work in progress made in response to an emergency situation and will therefore likely be improved and updated.

Safety of the refugees

  1. People offering to accommodate or support those fleeing from the war should be endorsed as suitable to offer help by their parish’s incumbent. The incumbent should also confirm that there is no safeguarding information held against them.
  2. A safeguarding check of those putting themselves forward will also be made by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, and should be made too by the Parish Safeguarding Officer to confirm that no relevant information exists about them.
  3. Ideally, those over 16, or some members within the family will have a clear enhanced DBS check, completed within the last 5 years from another role.
  4. Once there is an agreement for a family to host a refugee, basic disclosure checks should be conducted on other family members aged 16 years or over. There is no eligibility requirement for a basic check however this falls within the policy of the Church of England about when a basic check should be sought because there is a close level of trust being placed in the host by the church. This process should not delay a refugee moving in with the host family. Any blemished record will be considered by the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

Note – checks should be carried out by the lead recruiter of the parish within which the hosting family live. There is a charge of £25 per check set by the DBS, plus £5 standard processing fee from ThirtyOne:Eight plus 50p VAT. The processing fee is split with the diocese. If the parish cannot cover this cost, please let the Diocesan Safeguarding team know so that the Diocese can reimburse the monies needed.

  1. As best they can, the parish safeguarding officer should put in place a reporting mechanism for safeguarding concerns that is as clear as possible. It’s appreciated that this will not be straightforward owing to inhibitors to reporting due to the reliance of living within a home, language barriers and a lack of knowledge of the country and services. This will be compounded by their current experience of trauma.
  2. The diocese will be endeavouring to identify Ukrainian speaking safeguarding contacts to be identified as a point of contact for reporting – possibly from the Ukrainian Culture Centre, who can pass any concern to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, or directly to the police.
  3. The diocese will also be developing a Ukrainian translation safeguarding leaflet which will include how to report a safeguarding concern and to whom that should be given to guests. The leaflet will also give advice over boundaries, privacy and contact with any children of the refugee and children already living within the household.
  4. Adults in the host family are requested to complete Basic Awareness safeguarding training (C0).
  5. The diocese will keep records of all members of the hosting families, the refugees and the dates of when the hosting started and finished
  6. A monthly meeting should take place with the parish support group so that issues may be raised, cultural and language differences considered. Safeguarding will be raised as part of that so that there is an opportunity to disclose in a private environment. A debrief should take place when the agreement comes to an end, again in private with the support group. Any issues raised in any meeting should be shared with the diocese to help us learn and plan for further hosting.

Safety of the hosting families

  1. A copy of the passport for each individual housed will be held by the diocese with the consent of the refugee (or parent/carer for the child). A home cannot be offered without this.
  2. Any safeguarding concerns should be reported immediately to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.
  3. As for guests, people offering accommodation will be offered advice over boundaries, privacy and contact with any children of the refugee and children already living within the household.
  4. The diocese will have good communications with Social Services and police to manage any risk arising from concerns raised against those needing accommodation elsewhere.
  5. The diocese will keep records of all members of the hosting families, the refugees and the dates of when the hosting started and finished.
  6. A monthly meeting should take place with the parish incumbent so that issues may be raised, cultural and language differences considered. Safeguarding will be raised as part of that so that there is an opportunity to disclose in a private environment. A debrief should take place when the agreement comes to an end, again in private with the parish incumbent. Any issues raised in any meeting should be shared with the diocese to help us learn and plan for further hosting.

Offers of help with the wider support

  1. Parish Safeguarding Officers must be involved in making careful decisions regarding individuals offering assistance in other capacities. For example, offers to drive refugees to the host family or elsewhere. Safer Recruitment should be considered in each case to ensure the safety of all.

St Albans Diocese will:

  1. Work in partnership with other agencies in our area who have expertise in working with vulnerable people, children and refugees, including the local authority and the police towards keeping all parties safe.
  2. Work towards reducing the potential safeguarding risks for both a refugee or refugee family, as well as the host family.
  3. Share safeguarding and child protection information appropriately and in a confidential manner.
  4. Liaise appropriately with statutory agencies to ensure concerns are met and support is requested.

Last updated: 14 March 2022

Gypsy, Traveller and Romany Communities

Within traveller communities there is often a strong sense of Christian faith.   However, alongside difficulties with access to health and education, many face struggles in accessing services at their local churches, particularly funerals, weddings and baptisms.   There is significant potential to increase our welcome, whether through taking a pro-active approach to getting to know people in these communities or simply understanding more about some of the distinctive needs they have.

These people groups, sadly, often experience unjust prejudice against them and they suffer hardship in seeking work and providing for their families.

The Luton Roma Trust helps the local Roma who have migrated to the UK to rebuild their lives in the town by:

  • empowering people to access accommodation, education, welfare, health care and employment
  • helping members of the Roma community to engage more actively in the life of the town
  • helping people to understand their community and their rights as UK citizens
  • advocating for the Roma community and supporting the wider community to be more welcoming and inclusive
  • helping people to develop a sense of cultural identity
  • celebrating Roma culture, language and heritage
  • nurturing community-led development initiatives to ensure the community thrives for future generations

More information