Sustainability is the thread running through new collaboration

Sustainability is the thread running through new collaboration

What do a clerical outfitters and a national social action charity have in common? This, in fact, isn’t the start of a bad joke but is the start of an exclusive collaboration between two organisations who are committed to sustainability. Watts & Co. - the Westminster based clerical outfitters - are partnering with Church Urban Fund - the social action arm of the Church of England and at the heart of this partnership is a passion for sustainability.

At Church Urban Fund we care about communities and the individuals which make them. We care about the cohesion of communities, the distinctive assets of communities – and the sustainability of those communities.

At Watts & Co. their ecclesiastical textiles and accessories are designed and produced ethically and with a concern for sustainability. The ‘Sustainable Collection’ launches on 7^th February 2019 and features women’s clergy dresses, tops and vest stocks, all of which have been made in England using organic cotton jersey. The GOTS certified cotton was woven and dyed at a mill in Leicester and later sewn by a team of talented craftspeople in Watts’ Westminster showroom. 10% of every item sold from the collection will go towards our work here at Church Urban Fund.

The work of the Church Urban Fund essentially revolves around a desire to increase the resilience of individuals and therefore the sustainability of communities.

Through the Near Neighbours programme we are seeking to build community cohesion by bringing people together of different ethnic backgrounds and religions. In 2017 Near Neighbours brought nearly 93,000 people together across different religious or ethnic groups and 93% said they understand people in their community better because of it. This is building community sustainability.

The Just Finance Foundation seeks to build financial capability by educating people of all ages and backgrounds about money management and increasing accessibility to fairer financial systems. This work is enabling individuals to take back control over their lives and is changing the financial landscape of communities. Many people live financially unsustainable lives, but our work is helping to change this.

And so sustainability is a thread which runs through all of our work at Church Urban Fund and connects us with the work of Watts & Co. and the launch of their exclusive new collection. To celebrate the launch on 7^th February there is an evening reception with canapés and drinks. The evening will focus on the topic of women, faith and social action and we will hear talks from leading voices on this topic. There will be a chance to mingle and network, as well as to order items from 'the Sustainable Collection' or make a donation to the Church Urban Fund. If you're interested in the role of Christian women in social justice, this is an event not to be missed.

Tickets are free of charge, but please click below to register your attendance so we can cater accordingly:

Sustainable Collection Event

Please telephone 0207 898 1091 with any questions.