About Us
Founded and convened by the Church Urban Fund, the Together Network is a network of Christian charities that are committed to tackling poverty and transforming communities.
The Together Network equips churches, community groups and faith organisations to better serve, speak and lead in their local areas. The vision of the network is to see people and communities all over England flourish and enjoy life in all its fullness. Our mission is to build an ecumenical ‘faith in action’ movement across England which strengthens civil society.
How We Work
Together and in our localities we respond to local issues, supporting and helping communities to tackle the things that matter most to them.
Through our programmes and activities, we help churches, grass roots charities, network and community groups work together effectively and creatively. Through working collaboratively, the Together Network helps Christians to 'join up' both their thinking and their social action to achieve amazing, transformative things in their neighbourhoods.
The Together Network gives national support to local action.
Our Values
Our roots are in the Church of England, and we work with and through thousands of parish churches across the country. Church Urban Fund founded the Together Network, working with Dioceses of the Church of England to set up the independent Core partners of the Together Network. We also work with different organisations and individuals from all faiths, cultures and backgrounds who seek the common good.
Together we are committed to the following principles:
- Poverty: We have a core commitment to tackling poverty and injustice. Poverty is complex and wide ranging, encompassing resources, relationships and identity. We place great importance on the voices and experiences of those living in and with poverty being at the centre of our work.
- Community: We believe that local communities are where change really happens. Relationship and community are key to changing lives. Neighbourhoods are full of people with gifts and skills, and equipping them to participate can help unlock solutions.
- Church: Faith is a key motivator: Social justice is core to Christian belief and discipleship. We believe that churches have a key and distinctive role to play in local neighbourhoods and in using its assets for the benefit of the wider community.
- Collaboration: We recognise that we cannot do any of this alone. Relationships and partnerships are key and working ecumenically, and with people of all faiths and none is the only way to achieve real change. Everyone has a part to play.
At the heart of everything we do is something called ABCD, or Asset-Based Community Development. It’s a way of working that makes the most of the skills and capacities of local residents, groups and businesses to build stronger, happier and thriving communities. ABCD is the means by which we can create sustainable, action-based projects to tackle social inequality at ground level.
Who we are
Our 15 Core members all share a history, seeded by Church Urban Fund and Anglican dioceses. They also ethos of Faith Based Social Action. Collaboratively, they shape the network's future, strategy, and theology, create and deliver programmes, and share resources and ideas.
Our growing number of Associate Members agree with our ethos, contributing to and participating in Together Network programmes and events.
Our Core Members
Midlands and East Anglia
North East and Yorkshire
North West
Charity Information
If you would like to find out more about the Church Urban Fund, please click here.
Church Urban Fund, The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, London SE11 5RR
Registered Charity Number: 297483
Church Urban Fund
The Church Urban Fund (CUF) was established by the Church of England more than 30 years ago. It was a practical response to help local parish networks link with other faith-based and secular organisations to tackle the areas of greatest need in their communities.
CUF is committed to creating and building local partnerships to bring about long-term and sustainable change. We believe that local residents are the people who understand the issues affecting their communities; and that they are the best people to drive the change they want to see.