Inclusivity in Action with Purple Shoots Purple Shoots is an anti-poverty charity with Christian values, based in Pontypridd, although it has a growing national reach across the UK. They work with people from the most neglected communities across Wales and England to help them to use enterprise to improve their lives and their communities. They also help people to start their own small business or to work collectively on an enterprising idea. Llandaff is the first diocese the charity is working with directly, presenting us with an exciting opportunity for ministry and social outreach. Purple Shoots have launched a pilot scheme with the diocese to train churches to deliver Self-Reliant Groups (SRGs). Our churches are the perfect partners to offer that love and support in the heart of communities to allow people to take control of their own future. The first groups will be starting in January 2024. Emma Musgrave, who works for Purple Shoots, said, “We see every day how much people have to offer, and the value they have to bring. When they are ignored, so is their potential. “At Purple Shoots, inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. Our approach is designed to be welcoming to everyone, and we work with a large number of women, people on benefits, people with physical and mental health issues, people with disabilities. “Many of these groups have been shut out of mainstream financial society, and so their potential is being lost. But when we help people to take their next steps, we see them flourish, and also help their communities to flourish around them. “We look forward to building our partnership with Llandaff Diocese and the communities within it.”
We Are Valued Equally Throughout the Bible we are presented with examples of God’s love for the people who don’t fit in. Jesus frequently eats with people labelled as outcasts by society, he acknowledges the downtrodden, welcomes the marginalised, and blesses those who have been existing on the margins. Churches can be difficult places for people who don’t behave in ways that society considers ‘normal’. North London based charity WAVE
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(We Are Valued Equally) set up the WAVE Worship movement to encourage adults with and without learning disabilities come together to worship, and create new friendships. WAVE worship is relaxed in format, with creative activities, visual prompts and Makaton signing. On their website they say: You may face barriers... • Lack of awareness • People don’t realise the need or possibility for mixed-ability activities • Vulnerability avoidance • People think it’s not for them • Unpredictability • People don’t know what to do around people different to them
Here are just some of the ways Purple Shoots is making a real difference to people’s lives: Jennifer Jennifer arrived in the UK in 2013 seeking asylum from her native Ghana. She has previously run her own business but, once she found her feet, she could not find any funding to support her new business idea of getting Afro-Caribbean food products out to the communities that want them. Purple Shoots stepped in to offer support and funding and she is now providing a much-needed service, as well as supporting herself and her family.
Ruth Ruth is a mum from Cardiff, who had to give up work due to serious mental health issues. Once she had started to make a recovery, she wanted to work again, but found employment too restrictive, and that no one would fund her new business idea. Purple Shoots offered funding and support, and Ruth has gone on to create a thriving business www.bwythyn.co.uk selling fragrances, soaps and candles. She has won multiple awards and now employs two additional people.
Crafty Buddies SRG This self-reliant group is a group of women, many of whom have physical disabilities and poor mental and physical health. Through the last 8 years they have developed amazing crafting skills and sell their work to pay for additional training and group equipment. The supportive community they have built benefits not only the members of the group but has wider impacts. This year, they have taken in a group of Ukrainian refugees as members, and they share skills and provide a link to the new community the refugees are settling into.
• Lack of language • People don’t know what to say But they can be overcome... • Relax • Don’t worry about saying or doing the wrong thing, be flexible and don’t beat yourself up if things don’t go to plan • Have fun! • Include your friends – focus on making it easy and enjoyable for people to comfortably mix Lead Growth Enabler for the Diocese Angela Clarke said,
“Church is there for everyone, and the Growth Enablers are really keen to support any Churches who wish to make their Churches fully inclusive.” The Diocesan Growth Enablers are on hand to help you to make waves in your community. They would love to hear from you. Angela Clarke (angelaclarke@ cinw.org.uk), Debbie Orris (debbieorriss@cinw.org.uk), Laura Ames (lauraames@ cinw.org.uk), Joe Engel (josephengle@churchinwales. org.uk).
