Breaking Boundaries Inter Faith Week Blog Series: Salvation Army Barking

In honour of Inter Faith week we wanted to shed a light on the amazing work of the Breaking Boundaries project which seeks to build social cohesion and community ties across faith groups and ethnic groups through the power of sport, allowing all communities to build relationships and enjoy the benefits of sport!  Today we will be shining a light on Christian Faith organisation Salvation Army Barking!

1. What is the name of your organisation and how long have you been running for?

Barking Salvation Army, we have been running in Barking for over 145 years, however the Salvation Army as a whole has been running for about 165 years.

2. Where is your organisation based?

We are based in Barking but have centres all over the country.

3. Which Faith groups do you support with your organisation and how do you support them?

We are a Christian Church and charitable organisation, supporting people of all faiths and walks of life. We run church services on Sundays and support the community though our outreach projects; Kids club, Over 50's group, Dance Group, Toddler group, hot meals for the homeless and in need as well as our Food Bank.

4. What have been the successes you have felt and seen in supporting the physical health and wellbeing needs of the Faith groups in your area?

We supported may individuals and families get back on their feet. Be it helping them with food, find accommodation, cover some bills as well as spiritual support. In addition to creating a space where they feel safe and can engage with others.

5. How does sport help connect communities from different Faith backgrounds?

Sport breakdowns some of the boundaries that can be found in communities and people of different faith backgrounds. It allows us to create friendships at a basic level, whilst building a space where we can let our guards down, while slowly developing a relationship built on understanding, crop values and respect for one another.

This is why we were so pleased to join the Breaking Boundaries project to help build on the great work we already do at the Salvation Army by adding yet another element of community cohesion and inter faith understanding and empathy by connecting communities through sport.

We look forward to sharing more updates regarding the Breaking Boundaries project, to stay up to date follow us on social media handles:

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