Since the founding of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1652, Quakers have been sharing their unique form of Christian worship and service with the world. Today, Quakers are facing critical challenges that demand bold action to ensure they continue to exist and flourish today and in the future.

 

Benefact Trust joins two other grant-making trusts, Bader Philanthropies and WF Southall, who are supporting Quakers in Britain to transform the way Quaker communities in England, Scotland and Wales are supported.

 

Together, the grants will help to expand the Local Development Worker (LDW) programme, which will enable Quaker communities to be inclusive, welcoming and diverse. It will also support volunteer role-holders and help to simplify meetings, which can be overcomplicated and traditional. Many active Quakers have little time and energy to welcome newcomers and encourage participation. And while children and young people are a natural source of new members, currently a large proportion of Quaker children and young people don’t engage with Quakerism past their teenage years.

 

The LDW programme, which began as a pilot in 2016, now has 11 workers and more being recruited, with the goal of placing an LDW within easy reach of every Quaker community across Britain by the end of 2022.

 

Not only do LDWs provide hands-on guidance and support, they are a vital link for Quaker communities to connect and access support from the national Quaker church network.

Paul Parker, Recording Clerk of Quakers in Britain, said: “Quaker worship, where everyone has an un-mediated relationship with the divine, has provided a warm home for many and we want to continue extending and strengthening our welcoming faith community. 

 

“Quaker social justice work, which continues to help create a more just, merciful and loving world, relies on our vibrant Quaker communities.

 

“We are deeply grateful for the support of Benefact Trust and the two other trust funders, Bader and WF Southall, which will help to ensure that the Local Development Worker programme can support Quakers and Quaker communities to thrive.”

 

Chloe Ewen, Grants Officer for Benefact Trust, said: “We’re delighted to support Quakers in Britain with a grant to expand their innovative LDW programme. 

 

“Having specialist workers on the ground within Quaker communities will help to grow and strengthen modern Quakerism. With diversity and inclusion at the core of their work, Quaker communities can continue to thrive, stay relevant, and welcome people of all ages and backgrounds.”

 

To find out more about Quakers in Britain, visit https://www.quaker.org.uk/