Source: The Guardian
Faith-based organisations are increasingly stepping in to support the overstretched NHS, research has found.
More than 3,500 churches and 200,000 volunteers are working on health and social care initiatives that are “plugging the gap” left by funding cuts and limited resources, according to the Cinnamon Network, a charity that connects faith-based organisations.
Sarah Mullally, the new bishop of London, said the charity’s report – called The Church’s Impact on Health and Care – showed the important contribution being made by the voluntary sector and specifically the church to promote health.
She said: “The NHS is under considerable pressure: increasing public expectation, increasing life expectancy, improvements in technology and limited resources. If we are able to improve our health and the health of the community, [the church] can contribute to the better use of those limited resources.”
The Muslim Times 