The Cost of Living Crisis

SUPPORT & RESOURCES

With the help of the Methodist Church in Ireland’s Council on Social Responsibility this page provides a range of practical, learning and worship resources to help us in responding to the societal needs of our congregations and local communities.

We endeavour to update this page regularly as new resources and information becomes available.

Living Wholeheartedly Podcast

LISTEN/WATCH

Rev Dr Heather Morris is joined by Rev Brian Anderson of East Belfast Mission to focus on the Cost of Living crisis; sharing stories and some practical examples of how the Church is working for the benefit of their communities.

This episode also features the President’s visit to Seymour Street Methodist in Lisburn, highlighting how one local church is acting in partnership with other organisations to reach out to those in need.

Practical help and contacts

City Missions

The City Missions of the Methodist Church in Ireland are visible expressions of social and community concern by local congregations. There are five City Missions in Belfast, Newtownabbey, Dublin and Londonderry. 

While all churches are encouraged to be involved in the life of their local communities, the City Missions have been given the "mission" status because the main thrust of their work is outwards - seeking to provide support to people in the surrounding communities. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

NEA Fuel Poverty Action Guide (PDF)

Agency Contact Details (PDF)
Links to various Govt /non Govt Agencies

Practical Action on the Cost of Living (PDF)
with thanks to the Church of Ireland.

MCI Child Care Society
The Methodist Child Care Society is responsible to the executive of IMYC. The Society is the means by which we can reach out to families within the Methodist Connexion in Ireland who are experiencing financial hardship.
Download Application Form


Christians Against Poverty
Visit their website and/or the freephone number 0800 328 0006.

The Trussell Trust
Visit their website

Learning

PRESS RELEASES

Church Leaders  (September 22)

Video resources

CSR SUNDAY 2022

An interview with Brian Anderson (CSR), Jonnie Currie (Trussell Trust) and Paul Livingston (CAP) about the partnership with MCI on the matter of poverty.

ADDITIONAL VIDEOS

Mental Health
Videos from Kintsugi Hope + Links Counselling Service.
Further reading to Learn, Pray and Act.

Eliminating Poverty: Any Hope?
Agape Lecture with Lord Leslie Griffiths

Fuel Poverty 
Includes 10 Practical Energy Efficient Tips

Poverty Impact
Low Income Families - the impact

Play It By Ear

HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF POVERTY ON MENTAL HEALTH

HOMELESSNESS
THE CRISIS: When did we see you?

CHILD & FUEL POVERTY
THE CRISIS: POVERTY

DEBT
THE CRISIS: HELP?

Acting

 
 

CAMPAIGNING

SOCIAL/COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Warm Welcome - Register your space
Community Meals
Community Fridge
The Larder
Food Banks, Clothes Banks, Uniform Banks etc

WORSHIP RESOURCES

Worship Materials

CSR Sunday: What is the truth about poverty?
Bible Study:  Life in the Breadline 
Bible Study:  Church Poverty Action Group
Bible Study:  Faith in Food Banks (JPIT)
Trussell Trust Harvest Resources
Trussell Trust Advent Reflections

Further reading

Books: 

- Bread of Life in Broken Britain: 
Food Banks, faith and Neoliberalism by Charles Pemberton  SCM Press  ISBN: 9780334058960
- Unreached: 
Growing churches in working class and deprived areas by Tim Chester Inter-Varsity Press) ISBN / Ean: 1844746038 / 9781844746033
- A Church for the Poor: 
Transforming the church to reach the poor in Britain today by Martin Charlesworth and Natalie Williams  ISBN 978-0-8307-7213-1

Mental Health issues:

Release the pressure
Release the pressure survey data