26 November 2024
On a crisp November morning, the Methodist Church demonstrated its commitment to community welfare by hosting a comprehensive Social Justice Training Day that brought together 60 dedicated church leaders, volunteers and workers from across the South West Peninsula Methodist District.
Held at the Carnon Community Methodist Church near Truro, the event was a testament to the church's mission of understanding and addressing complex social challenges. As the President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Helen Cameron, noted in her welcome message, the day was designed to equip participants with critical knowledge and resources to support their communities more effectively.
"I feel better informed and able to signpost," remarked one attendee, capturing the essence of the training day's impact. The event featured hard-hitting presentations on critical social issues, including dementia, loan sharking, alcohol-related challenges and modern-day slavery.
Experts from Stop Loan Sharks, Healthy Cornwall and the Methodist district safeguarding officer delivered informative sessions that went beyond mere statistics. The presentations provided practical insights and support mechanisms for those facing difficult circumstances.
The day was not just about information dissemination but also about creating a supportive network. Participants were transported from the train station in a community minibus, symbolising the collaborative spirit of the event. A traditional hot pasty lunch further enhanced the sense of community and connection.
Each participant received a comprehensive resource pack, ensuring they could take their newfound knowledge back to their respective circuits. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing gratitude for the well-organised and impactful day.
"I can refer someone as a result of today," said another participant, highlighting the tangible outcomes of the training. Another noted, "I can pray from a more informed position," underscoring the Christian approach to community support.
An interesting, though not at all unsurprising theme emerged during a group activity, where housing and homelessness were identified as significant concerns in the district – Saltash Methodist Church recently launched an appeal to provide accommodation for people in need for instance. This insight has prompted considerations for future social justice events, demonstrating the church's responsive and adaptive approach to community needs for long-term solutions.
The event serves as a powerful reminder that informed, compassionate and proactive Christian community leadership can make a significant difference in addressing complex social challenges.