Churches network wins Big Society Award

The work of a network of churches, social enterprises and charities working together to help people most in need in their local communities, has been recognised by Prime Minister David Cameron with a Big Society Award.

The Cinnamon Network provides small start-up grants of up to £2,000 to churches to fund social action projects including Street Pastors in Manchester, a befriending scheme for isolated older people in Wokingham and debt advice services in Bradford.

The Network launched in 2010. It supports projects in every region in England and has begun expanding into Scotland. It is estimated that 2,950 local churches are running projects in their local communities, with the help of 47,440 volunteers and benefitting 690,242 people.

Commenting on the award Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I’m pleased to be able to give The Cinnamon Network this Big Society Award in recognition of the huge difference they have made across the country.

"From jobs clubs to street pastors, by supporting churches to address the most pressing issues in their neighbourhoods The Cinnamon Network is transforming communities for the better."

Matt Bird, Co-chair of the Cinnamon Network, added: ”The Cinnamon Network is strengthening the muscles of local churches by generating ideas for community projects, encouraging neighbouring churches to work in partnership and providing £2,000 micro-grants to any church that wants to start a recognised project.

“We want to make sure that local churches have the funding and support to do what they do best - reaching out to their local communities to help those most in need.”