Christian charity wants partners on Norfolk coast

Christian charity wants partners on Norfolk coast

The national Christian charity Acts 435 is reaching out to churches and charities along the coast of Norfolk to see if they can work together to support people in need

Acts 435 is a free resource for local churches and charities all over the UK serving those in need in their local community. However it has very few partners on the Norfolk coast compared to some other parts of the country

Acts 435 is a website which connects those in need with those who want to donate to their specific need, such as a washing machine, a bus pass or school uniforms. The charity believes that a small gift can have a big impact, especially to those who are in a moment of crisis or facing hardship. The churches they partner with might already be seeing the needs of individuals through their existing ministries and work, or they may want to reach out into the local community, such as seeking referrals from local schools

Katie Greene, Communications Director for Acts 435 reports that: “In the last few weeks the Acts 435 team has been looking at their UK coverage in comparison to the deprivation and population density of the UK, and has identified the Norfolk coast as one of the areas that has a high amount of deprivation, and therefore need. They have very few local church/charity partners along the Norfolk coast, and so want to find more partner churches and charities who are either already seeing the need in their local community or who want to step out to help those facing crisis or hardship”

Hannah Worsley, Project Manager at Norwich Foodbank already partners with Acts 435, and says: 'We find Acts 435 an excellent partner in our work as the foodbank, supporting those most in need in a practical way alongside the food and advice we are able to give. We also know that people who are in a position to give, often don't know how 'best' to give and this is an excellent way of matching those in need with those who can support. Over the years, we've requested (and had success with!) school and work uniforms, washing machine and oven repairs, oil-filled radiator and train travel for a funeral. We are grateful to have this partnership to further support our clients and to all those who make it possible to show our faith and Jesus' love in another way'

Hannah gives one example from Norwich of a family who benefitted from the provision: “We received a request for food and help from a pastoral worker within a local school. She was working with a mother who had a young child and the family have been through a very difficult time. She had no funds available to purchase essential school uniform items including shoes, trousers, shirts and jumpers, to provide suitable, compliant footwear and uniform. Through Acts 435 we were able to purchase what she needed”

The mother responded to the gift saying: “Thank you so much. I have so much appreciation for your kindness and how quickly you were able to help. All of the items fit perfectly and I really appreciate how kind and helpful you have been”
 
Since it began in 2009 Acts 435 has helped over 47,000 individuals nationally.

If you would like to consider partnering with Acts 435, take a look at their website: http://acts435.org.uk/partner   


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