The kind of support
SEARCH can offer to churches is helping
them to:
· Finding out
Helping churches to find out about needs and resources in their local communities,
to ensure new developments meet real, identified needs.
· Project development
Helping churches to make a realistic assessment of their current resources,
strengthen existing social action and to plan future developments.
· Sign-posting
Pointing churches in the direction of information and resources to assist their
development plans.
· Training
Helping churches to identify training needs, and supporting them in accessing
relevant training for staff, volunteers and participants.
· Networking
Helping churches to develop links with other local churches and projects, community
groups and organisations/agencies that may be thinking or working in a similar
way.
· Funding
Working closely with other local agencies to provide up-to-date funding information,
support and advice in applying for grants for projects and activities.
· Information
A bi-monthly newsletter with information about training, funding, resources,
events and new local developments. An E-mail bulletin service, providing a fast,
up-to-date source of information.
· Database
A database of existing church-based social action and community activities,
which can be accessed by churches and other organisations.
· Conferences and events
Organising an annual programme of training events, enabling networking and sharing
of best practice
WORKING IN HULL AND EAST YORKSHIRE
Whilst the work of SEARCH is primarily aimed at the poorer and least well resourced churches, we regard ourselves as a resource to all churches and Christian groups, and will respond to requests for help. We hope many more churches will share their ideas/visions with SEARCH, enabling us to work in partnership with them to help to improve their local communities.
Building on our experiences in Hull, funding has been secured for SEARCH to extend into the East Riding of Yorkshire. We aim to replicate the success of work in Hull, within East Yorkshire, taking into account the needs of both urban and rural communities.
WORKING WITH LOCAL CHURCHES
SEARCH is currently working with a number of local churches across different denominations. Their ‘visions’ for community involvement are varied, as are the skills and resources available. With this in mind, SEARCH takes a flexible approach that helps the church to move forward with its plans in a way that is appropriate to them.
“SEARCH has been an excellent resource for us. Being a local organisation itself, SEARCH has been able to understand the issues facing smaller church-based projects involved in social action.” East Hull Church
If your church has an idea or plan for activities in your local community, and would like SEARCH to offer assistance, please contact us.