The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York have set up a Commission to look at families and households. Stephen invited Commission members to observe family life in Newham to help their research.
The Commission are looking to address the challenges facing households, whilst highlighting the positive work that is being done to support families. They aim to report in Winter 2022 with policy recommendations for government.
Newham has the UK’s highest proportion of children living in poverty. An estimated 10,000 families have No Recourse to Public funds and many face severe financial difficulties. These pressures have been exacerbated by the pandemic, as the number of Trussell Trust foodbank parcels rose more than fivefold in Newham in 2020-2021. However, there are several community organisations and faith groups in the borough, working hard to support these families.
Five of the Commissioners – Chair Professor Janet Walker, Co-Chair Rt Revd Paul Butler, Elaine Storkey, Julie Gittoes and Dez Brown – took part in the visit to Newham. They visited local community organisations and faith groups, including Ascension Community Trust, Alternatives Trust and the Renewal Programme. Stephen also chaired a roundtable at Bonny Downs Community Centre with a number of grassroots groups, charities and faith leaders supporting families across Newham. The Commission also visited two local households to hear of their experience of raising a family in Newham.
Speaking after the visit, Stephen said: “Newham families have faced acute pressures during the pandemic, made worse by poor housing and benefit problems. Church-based and other faith and voluntary sector initiatives have been crucial in supporting families. They have been key to our community’s resilience. Their commitment to local people has meant a great deal.
I was glad to introduce Commission members to groups supporting family life in the borough. I hope their efforts will influence policy that affects families, and look forward to their report towards the end of next year.”