CSAN invites new Prime Minister to discussion on building flourishing communities

Source: CSAN

Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) has invited the new Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Andy Burnham, and his team to discuss how government, faith groups and charities can work together to build flourishing communities.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Raymond Friel OBE, Chief Executive of CSAN, offers the support and practical experience of the network's 50 member organisations, united by a commitment to tackle the causes of poverty, promote justice, restore dignity and help build communities in which every person can flourish.

Raymond Friel said: "We wish you every success at this challenging moment for our communities. Our message to you is very simple: we're here to help and would welcome a conversation about how we can work together with government even more closely to build flourishing communities."

Highlighting the knowledge and experience of CSAN members, he added: "We have deep knowledge of our communities and a passionate commitment to work to tackle poverty, promote justice and restore dignity."

CSAN's work is inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and the principles of human dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity and the common good. Its members work collaboratively with other faith groups and charities that share these values.

The letter proposes a practical next step: "We would welcome a meeting with you and your team - perhaps a roundtable discussion during Inter Faith Week (8-15 November 2026) - to help to shape the debate around subsidiarity and the common good and to offer practical insights from our work on the ground."

Earlier this month, CSAN held a Parliamentary Reception hosted by Mike Kane MP, where members of the network met parliamentarians and shared ideas for working together.

The letter states: "We would welcome a meeting with you and your team - perhaps a roundtable discussion during Inter Faith Week (8-15 November 2026) - to help to shape the debate around subsidiarity and the common good and to offer practical insights from our work on the ground."

Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) is the domestic social action agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. CSAN convenes and supports a network of 50+ charities involved in the social mission of the Church. Its mission is to tackle the causes of poverty, promote justice and restore dignity through collaboration, formation and public advocacy.

Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, CSAN's work is grounded in the dignity of every person, the preferential option for the poor, the common good, subsidiarity and solidarity. CSAN works towards communities in which every person can flourish, the voices of people experiencing vulnerability are heard and everyone is encouraged to contribute to the common good.

CSAN is a national member of Caritas Internationalis within Caritas Europa. England and Wales have two national Caritas members: CAFOD, which focuses on international development, and CSAN, which focuses on domestic social action.

For more information see: www.csan.org.uk/