Social Justice

Abingdon Emergency Foodbank

Set up to meet the needs of people who are going through a period of crisis and are struggling to feed themselves and their families. This crisis may come in many forms, for example as redundancy, ill-health, family break-up or just unexpected large bills. The Foodbank is run by a team of volunteers from Christ Church and other churches in the Abingdon area. It’s a practical way of sharing God’s love in the local community. Anyone in need in the community who has been referred to the Foodbank is welcome to receive food packages, regardless of their faith or creed. The Foodbank is managed by Ruth Atkins from Christ Church.

abingdonfoodbank.org

Street Pastors

Caring for, listening to and talking with people on the streets of Abingdon on Saturday nights between 10:00pm and 1:00am; we work alongside Thames Valley Police to help to create a positive atmosphere for those having a night out; we offer help to individuals, especially the young and vulnerable, by providing practical assistance where required to keep people safe until they return home.

Abingdon Street Pastors was set up in 2011 in collaboration with the Churches in Abingdon (CiA) and the Thames Valley Police (TVP), with the support of the local Council. More than 20 people volunteer either as Street Pastors or Prayer Pastors, or as members of the Management Committee.

streetpastors.org

Home for Good Abingdon

The Home for Good group exists to provide a friendly, welcoming group for anyone who is interested in finding out about fostering, adoption, or supporting those involved, as well as for carers themselves. We have fun times out together, relaxing, chatting, eating, and praying. See the Facebook group Home for Good Network, Abingdon. Home for Good Abingdon is run by Jill Ward and Tania Beale from Christ Church.

homeforgood.org.uk

The Archway Foundation

The Archway Foundation was founded in Oxford in 1992 and extended its work to Abingdon in 2008. In “serving those hurt by loneliness” its small but growing staff team and over 150 dedicated volunteers provide Individual Support through one-to-one time, supportive social groups (two in Oxford, two in Abingdon and two for 18 to 30 year olds), and transport for those unable to access independently. Reaching around 400 adults each year, love is demonstrated through active listening (often to some very distressing life stories and situations), accepting people in all circumstances, promoting a sense of belonging as well as signposting and supporting people to access other forms of help. Opportunities exist for volunteer drivers, one-to-one support volunteers and social group helpers.

archwayfoundation.org.uk

Justice & Inclusion Group

We are a group formed to help the church express God’s heart for all to thrive, regardless of race, gender or ability. Over the last few years, we have upgraded the church’s physical accessibility, put on an exhibition to celebrate African and Caribbean History and held Saturday brunches – open to all – with interviews about social action and help with mental health. We also have connections into green issues and help for refugees and asylum seekers.