Sixteen faith-based groups are set to benefit from a £1.3m investment to support their work with the most vulnerable people in local communities.
The groups, which include Christian, Jewish and interfaith organisations, will work in partnership with councils, schools, police, health providers and voluntary groups to develop innovative interventions to tackle social issues.
Announced on Friday by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, the projects will include providing debt and employability advice, tackling food poverty, providing support for mental health issues and combatting loneliness and isolation.
Faith minister Paul Scully said: ‘We saw the instrumental role that faith organisations played in supporting vulnerable people during the pandemic. Working closely with local partners, councils and government, they supported communities where they need it most.
‘This pilot scheme will build on that vital work, so that faith organisations and their partners can continue to support communities as they recover.’