The power of community and faith is coming together in West Norfolk, as churches from across the region join forces to reimagine support for children, young people, and families. This exciting initiative, known as Homegrown, marks a new chapter in the movement to provide comprehensive and collaborative support to those in need. The journey began with a survey in late 2023, which gathered responses from churches across various denominations and contexts. The findings revealed a rich but often disconnected landscape of support services, including toddler groups, youth cafes, mentoring, food support, wellbeing work, and more. Despite the many services available, common concerns emerged, such as overstretched volunteers, gaps in provision, and a deep longing to do more together.
As the Homegrown project progressed, churches gathered to reflect and pray over the early findings, and in May, a wider ecumenical gathering took place to deepen the conversations. This summer, the listening process continued, with children, youth, volunteers, and project leads sharing their experiences to shape the future of the initiative. The goal of Homegrown is not to invent something new, but to notice where God is already at work among the communities and to join in, together. Vicki Price, the coordinator of Homegrown, emphasized that this is about building on the existing efforts and strengths of the churches, rather than creating something entirely new. By working together and combining their resources, the churches can provide more effective and comprehensive support to children, young people, and families across West Norfolk.
The Homegrown Network Launch Forum, scheduled for Saturday, September 13th, will bring together local church leaders, volunteers, and organizations to explore how they can respond better together to the rising challenges faced by children, young people, and families. Matt Beckett, the Children & Families Adviser for the Diocese of Norwich, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that when churches understand each other’s strengths and work together, the whole body of Christ can become more visible, more present, and more effective in loving their communities. The forum will provide a platform for individuals to share their ideas, experiences, and concerns, and to work together to create a more supportive and compassionate community.
The Homegrown initiative is an inspiring example of how faith-based organizations can come together to make a positive impact on their communities. By putting aside their differences and working towards a common goal, the churches in West Norfolk can provide a more comprehensive and effective support system for children, young people, and families. The launch forum is an opportunity for individuals to get involved, to learn more about the initiative, and to contribute their skills and expertise to the movement. Whether you’re already involved in a church or community project, or simply interested in exploring how you can make a difference, you’re warmly invited to attend the forum and join the journey.
As the churches in West Norfolk come together to launch the Homegrown Network, they’re not just building a support system – they’re building a community. They’re creating a network of individuals who care deeply about the well-being of children, young people, and families, and who are committed to working together to make a positive impact. The launch forum will be a celebration of the power of community and faith, and a testament to the fact that, together, we can achieve far more than we could alone. The event will take place on Saturday, September 13th, from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, at St Faith’s Church Rooms in Gaywood, and will feature a range of activities, discussions, and presentations.
To find out more about the Homegrown Network Launch Forum and to book your place, you can visit the Eventbrite website or contact Vicki Price directly. The event is open to anyone who’s interested in learning more about the initiative and getting involved. Whether you’re a church leader, a volunteer, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of children, young people, and families, you’re invited to join the movement and be part of something special. The Homegrown initiative is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together in the spirit of love, compassion, and community, and it has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in West Norfolk. By working together and supporting each other, we can create a brighter, more hopeful future for everyone.
