Homegrown

HOMEGROWN is a partnership between the local church and it’s surrounding community, including representatives from Viva  (international faith-based community development organisation),  the Diocese of Norwich (Church of England) and West Norfolk County Council.

During 2024/25 we have listened to hundreds of voices – from children in schools, from churches, and from community partners. We have heard both joy and struggle: safe spaces that make a difference, but also stress, isolation, poverty, and challenges that no single group can tackle alone.The aim of this report is not to demonstrate how many children are in church.

It is about recognising that local churches, i.e. groups of like-minded local Christian people, are already part of the community fabric – and asking how multiple groups of churches might work together more confidently, across our area, to better know and serve children and young people where they are.Our findings highlight the biggest issues facing young people, where schools and churches see the same concerns, and where the gaps lie. The message is clear: collaboration is essential. Churches have people, long-lasting presence, and trust – but long-term change will only come if we share resources, avoid duplication, and act together.

We offer this report as both a snapshot and a call to action. Its purpose is to:

• Inspire churches to make a difference by working together, demonstrating a greater expression and public witness of Christian faith.
• Raise awareness of, and encourage the church to advocate for, social pressures facing children, young people and families.
• Prompt collaboration for a stronger response around key issues like family poverty, mental health, and safe youth spaces.
• Facilitate a stronger connection between the church, schools and the public sector to contribute to borough-wide change for children, youth and families.