About Us

How it works

The Together Network exists to respond to local issues, supporting and helping communities to tackle the things that matter most to them. As well as developing new ideas it can help churches, organisations and community groups work together effectively and creatively.

We are totally dedicated to linking churches and other community organisations, providing resources, signposting and support.

The strength of the network is its knowledge-base – the facility to share ideas, experience and contacts. It can also build and strengthen local collaborative partnerships between those seeking to do similar work in similar areas. And it provides its joint ventures with the ‘joined up thinking’ that makes the most of the desire of Christians to make a difference where they live.

The Together Network gives national support to local action.

If you would like to contact us or get involved please contact: micah.neale@cuf.org.uk

Our Values

The vision of the network is to see people and communities all over England flourish and enjoy life in all its fullness.

We believe churches have a distinctive role to play in transforming our neighbourhoods, using their assets for the benefit of all. Our mission is to build an ecumenical ‘faith in action’ movement across England, resourcing and equipping churches to strengthen civil society.

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.

The Together Network is a union of 21 faith-based partnerships. Known as joint ventures, each is a partnership between the Church Urban Fund and a Church of England diocese, and focused on the needs and priorities of the communities they serve. And each employs at least one development worker who has the knowledge and skills needed to support and develop local projects.

At the heart of everything they do is something we call 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.

The Together Network: National movement, Local action.