Local churches are being encouraged to enter a national competition to find the best community engagement initiatives, and win a top prize of £10,000 or five runner-up prizes of £2,000 each.
The competition, which aims to find the best community engagement initiatives run by churches, however big or small, is still open for entries until the end of this month.
The significant £20,000 prize fund has been put forward by insurance company Ecclesiastical, which specialises in insuring some of the most iconic and unique buildings in the UK, including churches.
Churches across the country have rushed to enter their projects into the competition since its launch in May, but there is still time for more churches in the South West to come forward with their initiatives and make sure they are in the running for the prizes.
The competition, titled ‘Reaching out, inviting in – churches helping communities’, is open to Anglican churches in the UK, and sets out to find ideas and initiatives that have helped local communities.
Churches can enter any activity they have organised in the past 12 months, so the initiative doesn’t have to be currently active. For example, it can be an ongoing campaign or a one off community outreach project.
The entries must be clearly aimed at supporting, helping or reaching out to local communities (not primarily for fundraising) and must be managed by the PCC or church council entering the competition.
Commenting on the competition, Michael Angell, church operations director at Ecclesiastical, said: “We have been overwhelmed by some of the entries we’ve received.
“The activities that churches across the country are undertaking to support people in their local communities and the dedication of the people involved in the projects is humbling and inspirational.
“So far we’ve seen a whole host of initiatives ranging from food co-operatives and lunch clubs to language classes for vulnerable members of the community and churches running post offices, retail shops and soft play activities on their premises.
“I am sure there are a number of churches in the South West who have similar stories to tell, so I would encourage them to come forward.
“If a church is still considering whether they should enter or not, we would like to remind them that we are not only looking for the big projects carried out by huge congregations, but any initiatives that have enabled a church of any size to build links with their local community and support those in need.
“The competition is still open until 31 August, so it’s not too late to enter.”
Applications for the competition are available online at: www.ecclesiastical.com/churchcomp where you can also read the full terms and conditions.
Applications must be received by 31st August 2016 with winners being announced at an award ceremony in London on 9th November 2016.