REPORT SOCIAL ACTION AUDIT
“But
A message from our leaders
Richard Leaman Diocesan Secretary
I am delighted to introduce the Cinnamon Social Action Audit for the Diocese of Bristol. This report provides robust evidence of both the social impact and the economic value of the extraordinary work our local churches are undertaking in communities across the Diocese.
The findings reflect what many of us already knew: that our parishes are right at the heart of their neighbourhoods, offering places of welcome, comfort, and hope Day by day, churches are serving people of all ages and backgrounds, responding to need with compassion, creativity and deep commitment
My hope is that this report will give clergy, parishes and schools, renewed confidence in the huge difference they are making. I pray it will spark fresh conversations, nurture new partnerships, and encourage closer collaboration with community organisations, local authorities and other agencies who care for people in need
I am convinced that by working together, we can be an even greater force for Gospel change; building flourishing and compassionate communities and supporting those who are in greatest need
The Rt Revd Bishop Neil Warwick Acting Bishop of Bristol and Suffragan Bishop of Swindon
“Parishes and their people in the Diocese of Bristol serve as beacons of hope and light in their local communities. Each church, volunteer, activity and hour shared reflects a commitment to service and care for others. This report shows the compassion and support offered, and it is a joy to see this work being carried out by our churches ”
Executive Summary
The 2025 Social Action Audit provides a clear picture of the scale, breadth and impact of church-led social action across the Diocese of Bristol. It reveals a network of churches deeply embedded in their communities, offering practical help, relational support and consistent places of welcome to thousands of people each year leading social action across the Diocese of Bristol.
activities were delivered by local church across the Diocese
What churches delivered
Churches addressed a wide range of community needs, including building communal ties, reducing social isolation, supporting families, youth engagement, financial crisis and homelessness.
The most common activities included hospitality and community meals, toddler groups, lunch clubs, youth work, dropins, training and advice services
There are already 59 parishes partnering with schools, charities, community groups or statutory agencies A further 18 parishes who are not yet working in partnership expressed a desire to work more closely with external organisations, highlighting significant potential for collaboration Partnerships
Support needed
In order to sustain or develop social action activities, 83 churches reported that they would need further funding
Despite the incredible generosity of volunteers, finding enough capacity remains a challenge, with 52 churches reporting a need for more.
Building limitations affect 45 parishes, particularly around space, heating, and accessibility and kitchen facilities
The audit reveals a diocese where churches are making a meaningful and measurable difference every day. Churches provide stability, compassion and collaboration in the heart of their communities.
Introduction
Across the Diocese of Bristol, local churches continue to play a vital role in community life. From the urban centres of Bristol and Swindon to the rural communities of North Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire, churches serve as places of welcome, connection and hope. Together, they provide practical, emotional and relational support to more than 40,000 people each year.
Key Terms
‘Parish’
The physical boundary which covers a Church of England worshipping community within the Diocese of Bristol In the context of this audit, parishes are the reporting units that completed the survey about their community-facing social action activities. Each parish may run one or several activities across one or more worship centres
‘Local church’
The church community rooted within a particular neighbourhood or parish. The Church is more than just the building - local churches are the groups delivering the social action activities described in this report, often through volunteers, staff, and partnerships, and are understood as embedded, trusted, community-based organisations serving people of all ages and backgrounds
‘Active church’
Churches who completed at least one social action activity over the past year
‘Social action activity’ of local churches responded to the survey 64% parishes were recorded as being ‘active’ 97
Activities open to all, delivered either by volunteers or staff, and distinct from spiritual activities or those run by external organisations using church buildings.
Paid partnership with Cinnamon Network
Methodology
The 2025 Social Action Audit was designed to build a clear and reliable picture of parish-led social action across the Diocese of Bristol.
Parishes invited to complete online survey
108 parishes responded
97 parishes reported as ‘active churches’
Case Study: St Barnabas, Knowle West
Audit key findings 2025
418 local churches supported people
The Social Action Audit engaged 64%
of churches
Building community
121,660 hours of support to church-led activities supporting their communities activities were delivered by local churches
Supporting families Reducing social isolation
6,628 people attended events which supported families and young people
volunteers generously gave 1636
Most common three needs churches met actitivies from churches
72 59 reported active collaboration with other organisations
Findings
The social action audit has found that local churches across the Diocese delivered 418 different activities over the past year to support their communities to build relationships, reduce isolation and support people in crisis.
Volunteers
Case study: Christ Church Swindon
“Running the project has given me another purpose.” - Pat
Supporting families
The needs churches are meeting
Case
study: Mustard Seed Cafe
“I can sit down, have a bacon butty, and have a social chat” - Cafe attendee
Supporting young people and families 48 activities support parents, carers and children
13,430 people facing financial crisis were supported
Case study: St Mary’s Fishponds
30 people attend Saturday lunches each week
Types of activities churches deliver
*This graph demonstrates the % of total activities which are of each specified type The size of each bubble corresponds to the % of total activities
Meals, hospitality and community spaces
Case study: B&A Meals
“We are not just a catering companywe are the hands and feet of Jesus.”
- Trudi Murray, B&A
“It was so peaceful and I feel so much better having come out for lunch.” -
Beneficiary
Activities supporting, children, young people and their families
4,283 people per year attend activities specifically for babies, toddlers and their carers on average
Emergency provision
14,285 activities run by local churches provided vital emergency support for people facing immediate hardship
Community activities and groups
40 community activities enriching community life there are
Training, education and skills
30 befriending or peer support activities across the Diocese there are
Summary
Befriending and peer support
The people supported
Partnerships
Case study: Shine Pinehurst
“There’s a beauty in it where you see Jesus moving in people’s lives, helping people realise that they’re of value and important, and that as young people they can be used in very special ways… I just love the fun and joy that happens when we’re with the young people.”
“have the same heart as us… something about them is committed to the community, and committed to the people.”
What churches need to continue serving their communities
Funding is the most significant need
Volunteer capacity is a recurring pressure
86% of active churches reported funding gaps
42 Parishes requested increased training opportunities
Training and capacity building are essential
Conclusion
The 2025 Social Action Audit shows that the Diocese of Bristol is deeply committed to serving its communities. Across 418 activities, churches have responded to needs ranging from communitybuilding and social connection to family support, crisis provision and specialist help for those experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
Thank you to the 108 parishes who took part in the Diocese of Bristol Social Action Audit and shared their work so openly. We are deeply grateful to the 1,634 volunteers whose 121,660 hours of service make this ministry possible
Our thanks also go to the Cinnamon Network for the support delivering the survey, and to the clergy, staff teams. lay ministers and volunteers who sustain community‑focused work across the Diocese.
We are so appreciative of the many partners who collaborate with our churches to support those most in need
To everyone who helps make our Diocese a powerful force for Gospel change, thank you!
Want to find out more about the Social Action Audit? Get in touch with Naomi naomi.jervis@bristoldiocese.org