The winners of the 2008 Faithworks Awards, who all won monetary grants earlier this year to help develop their community projects, will be joined by other representatives of the 20,000-strong Faithworks Movement. Gordon Brown will celebrate their contribution to society, and thank them for their commitment, professionalism and effectiveness in serving their communities. He will be joined by Hazel Blears, the Secretary for State for Communities and Local Government, and Stephen Timms

The event will also mark the launch of a major Labour Party with faith groups, due to report in 2009. Malcolm Duncan, the leader of the Faithworks Movement, is a member of the faiths’ taskforce that will be carrying out this work.

“It is a huge encouragement that the government is celebrating the work of people who are motivated into practical action by their faith, and listening to their experiences and expertise from the ‘front line’,” said Duncan.” When Steve Chalke founded Faithworks in 2001, Gordon Brown was a strong supporter of the Movement and today is proof that the Prime Minister still has a high regard for faith activists and the work they do.

“Although there are only a few here today, we are celebrating the thousands of activists across the country who make a choice every day to help individuals on the edge of society and serve their local communities. Our faith works.

“The government has made huge steps in celebrating the work of faith communities – but there is still more to do. That is why we are also committed to working with politicians of all parties. We call on people of all political persuasions to continue recognising the potential that the local church holds for bringing positive change. I also want to encourage different faith groups to continue working together to put even more resources, time and effort into building a better world. We can work together, whilst remaining distinctive.”

Projects that will be represented at the reception include:
• The Sunflower Garden (Edinburgh), a pioneering service which works with children affected by drug use in their families.
• The Big Buzz (Everton) which provides fun and educational activities for children and their families in the third most deprived ward in the country.
• Colchester Nightstop, a network which provides temporary accommodation in hosts’ homes for young people who have become homeless.
• Hull Churches Home from Hospital Service, a comprehensive befriending scheme for people leaving hospital, helping them move to independence through convalescence.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For more information
Contact Hannah Horton, Faithworks Press & Media Officer on 07533 858344 or Hannah.horton@faithworks.info

About the Faithworks Movement:
Faithworks is a movement of thousands of individuals, churches and organisations motivated by their Christian faith to serve the needs of their local communities and positively influence society as a whole.  Faithworks exists to resource, inspire and speak up for these vital initiatives. 

We encourage our members to sign the Faithworks Charter to demonstrate their commitment to serving their local communities unconditionally with professionalism.  It is this work on the ground that provides Faithworks with a credible platform to engage nationally with both government and the media.  

The Faithworks Movement is based on partnership with many organisations, projects and churches working together.