The Government have identified that street crime is concentrated in a few, mainly urban areas, and that ten police forces deal with 82% of robbery in England and Wales.  In response to this the Home Office have created ten Robbery Reduction Areas in which they are planning to launch a number of initiatives to reduce crime.  Recently Home Secretary, David Blunkett admitted that ‘our streets are not safe’. Faithworks, in association with Oasis, is planning to work with local churches in five of the Government’s crime-reduction centres to demonstrate that Christian faith changes lives.

“It is no secret that a small minority of young people under the age of 18 commit the majority of crime in the UK and that the Government is deeply concerned. But why do so many become involved in crime or trapped by other social problems?  Because they are rootless and restless, they don’t think their lives count.  Faithworks wants to counter that mindset by engaging with these kids in their local communities and to put to the test whether or not faith can actually make an impact on their lives.”
                     Steve Chalke, Faithworks Founder

Faithworks is planning talks with the Government to see how best they can make a contribution towards reducing levels of crime.  They’re also initiating discussions with local church leaders to explore with them how best they can demonstrate that faith works in their neighbourhoods. Two weeks of initial activity are planned for the summer of 2003.  Week A: Sat 26/07/03 - Thu.31/07/03. Week B: Thu.31/07/03 – Tue.05/08/03.  The cost to volunteers wishing to get involved will be £49 per person to cover the cost of accommodation and food. There will also be a £35 non-residential option.  Weeks will offer worship, teaching and an opportunity to serve and see transformation in a local community.