Published on 16 October 2024

Why was the Act on Poverty Course so popular with Toll Gavel United Church?

John Turner has led the Social Responsibility Group at Toll Gavel United Church, in Beverley, Yorkshire for about 25 years – quite an achievement!

Social action is very close to his heart. Earlier this year John chose to co-lead the Act on Poverty Course at his church, alongside his Minister.

Campaigns officer, Katrine Musgrave has been talking to John to find out how things went...

John Turner and members of the Social Responsibility group at Toll Gavel United Church in Beverly, Yorkshire.
John Turner and members of the Social Responsibility group at Toll Gavel United Church in Beverley, Yorkshire.

“I was really pleased that so many people turned up to do the course – the theme of this course felt particularly challenging, especially with the approaching General Election, and we didn't know how people would respond, but people responded really well to the content and they kept on coming!”.

About a dozen people took part in the course with John.  He told us a little about his church and what action they had already taken to tackle poverty:

“We have a Beverley Against Poverty group which holds quarterly meetings on our premises. They also organise a weekly lunch for lonely, vulnerable (and sometimes homeless) people. We also offer them the use of a shower and provide clothes and toiletries.” 

 

The mix of Local and Global

Whilst following the Act on Poverty Course, members of Toll Gavel United church appreciated the opportunity to explore what they already do and consider what more could be done.

John found the collaboration between local and global causes a real asset too - “Churches have so many competing priorities, it’s great to take this united approach to acting on poverty.”

“We also loved the mix of local and global content in the sessions. The resources were really helpful and the mixture of contributors was great. There is such a diverse range of voices from those with who have lived experience of poverty, many of whom now work to tackle it!  Our folk who attended certainly engaged with the content – with so much audio and visual material to choose from”.

A chance to bring your own experience

The level of interaction, both with the course content and with each other – was incredible. John loved the fact that people could all bring their individual experiences and responses. It turns out that the participants did too, with many going away feeling enriched and energised.

Inspired to take action

Having done the Act on Poverty Course, Toll Gavel United Church is committed to making changes.

John and his group:

  • Have already written their first letter to their newly elected MP and are looking for more ways to get him involved
  • Are planning to make a “Let’s End Poverty” banner to hang from the church
  • Will Promote the ideas in the course more widely within the church and community

It seems that for John and his group, the course was just the beginning. As he says himself:

“Our group was really inspired by the Act on Poverty course and now we’re going to look for ways to share the messages with our wider church”.

A graphic showing people stood together, holding a banner which reads 'Course Pack'

Why not take a look at the Act on Poverty Course and have a think about the impact this could have on your church?

You can also join us online next month for the Short Act on Poverty Course, either Monday 4th November 7-9.30pm or Wednesday 27th November 6-8.30pm - SIGN UP HERE.

Any questions and just drop us an email, we’re here to support you and your church campaigns@christian-aid.org.