Bishop of Southampton, Debbie Sellin spoke at the relaunch event and praised those signing the covenant, saying ‘There has been genuine partnership at the heart of the work in Southampton, particularly during the pandemic, when people in Southampton from across different backgrounds have worked incredibly well together to bring hope to others and work for the common good of the city.’ 

 

Leader of the Council, Councillor Kaur, commented, ‘The establishment of a Stronger Communities Team has provided renewed energy to the partnership, building on the joint work to support communities during the pandemic and planning for recovery. This has meant all parties have been able to work together to start the work to refresh the covenant and begin the work to bring this to the attention of a wider partnership, other faith groups and the public.

 

Since signing the covenant, places of worship, religious organisations, and people of faith across the city have provided support to the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the city in many ways. This has been achieved in several contexts, often through discreet support, provided by individuals without seeking plaudits or attention for the work undertaken in the community.

 

Other activity has taken place city wide, with places of worship providing systems leadership, pulling together to tackle homelessness, community safety, issues of loneliness and wellbeing, as well as building a local food aid system.’