8 Jan 2026, 13:47Enoch Kanagaraj BEM Church Elder, Stanborough Park Church | Founder & CEO, One Vision
Faith in Action: Serving Communities with Compassion
Standing Together During the Cost-of-Living Crisis in Stevenage
In the closing weeks of 2025, a powerful example of Christian compassion and community leadership was witnessed in Stevenage, where faith communities, emergency services, and voluntary organisations came together to support families affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
In a season often associated with hope and generosity, the initiative brought together One Vision, the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Stevenage. Together, they offered more than Christmas gifts and seasonal treats – they offered presence, dignity, reassurance, and human connection to households facing financial and emotional strain.
For many families, rising food prices, energy bills, housing costs, and uncertainty have turned what should be a joyful season into one marked by anxiety and isolation. Against this backdrop, senior leaders, frontline firefighters, and church members stood alongside local residents, embodying the biblical counsel: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
The outreach focused intentionally on wellbeing as well as practical support. Conversations with families revealed the hidden toll of the cost-of-living crisis on mental health, loneliness, and emotional resilience – particularly among parents, carers, older adults, and those already navigating long-term challenges.
The initiative was led by Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision, working alongside Alex Woodman, Chief Fire Officer and Director for Community Protection at Hertfordshire County Council; Mark Barber, Deputy Chief Fire Officer; and colleagues from Stevenage Blue Watch. Their collaboration with the local Adventist church highlighted the strength of joined-up leadership between statutory services and faith-based organisations.
Reflecting on the day, Enoch Kanagaraj noted that the crisis facing many families goes far beyond finances. He emphasised that true leadership is about presence, dignity, and standing alongside people in their lived reality – allowing faith to be seen not only in words, but in action.
The Stevenage Seventh-day Adventist church played a vital pastoral role, helping to identify families in need and acting as a trusted bridge between the community and support services. In times of hardship, faith communities continue to be places where people find practical help, spiritual care, friendship, and belonging.
Elder Hilton of the Stevenage Seventh-day Adventist church reflected that service lies at the heart of Christian discipleship. Drawing on Christ’s teaching in Matthew 25, he affirmed that caring for the vulnerable is not an optional activity, but a living expression of faith that brings hope and healing.
The presence of both senior leaders and frontline firefighters sent a strong message of accessibility, trust, and shared responsibility. It demonstrated how collaboration between public services and community partners can strengthen prevention, improve wellbeing, and reach those who might otherwise remain unseen.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).
In the closing weeks of 2025, a powerful example of Christian compassion and community leadership was witnessed in Stevenage, where faith communities, emergency services, and voluntary organisations came together to support families affected by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
In a season often associated with hope and generosity, the initiative brought together One Vision, the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Stevenage. Together, they offered more than Christmas gifts and seasonal treats – they offered presence, dignity, reassurance, and human connection to households facing financial and emotional strain.
For many families, rising food prices, energy bills, housing costs, and uncertainty have turned what should be a joyful season into one marked by anxiety and isolation. Against this backdrop, senior leaders, frontline firefighters, and church members stood alongside local residents, embodying the biblical counsel: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
The outreach focused intentionally on wellbeing as well as practical support. Conversations with families revealed the hidden toll of the cost-of-living crisis on mental health, loneliness, and emotional resilience – particularly among parents, carers, older adults, and those already navigating long-term challenges.
The initiative was led by Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision, working alongside Alex Woodman, Chief Fire Officer and Director for Community Protection at Hertfordshire County Council; Mark Barber, Deputy Chief Fire Officer; and colleagues from Stevenage Blue Watch. Their collaboration with the local Adventist church highlighted the strength of joined-up leadership between statutory services and faith-based organisations.
Reflecting on the day, Enoch Kanagaraj noted that the crisis facing many families goes far beyond finances. He emphasised that true leadership is about presence, dignity, and standing alongside people in their lived reality – allowing faith to be seen not only in words, but in action.
The Stevenage Seventh-day Adventist church played a vital pastoral role, helping to identify families in need and acting as a trusted bridge between the community and support services. In times of hardship, faith communities continue to be places where people find practical help, spiritual care, friendship, and belonging.
Elder Hilton of the Stevenage Seventh-day Adventist church reflected that service lies at the heart of Christian discipleship. Drawing on Christ’s teaching in Matthew 25, he affirmed that caring for the vulnerable is not an optional activity, but a living expression of faith that brings hope and healing.
The presence of both senior leaders and frontline firefighters sent a strong message of accessibility, trust, and shared responsibility. It demonstrated how collaboration between public services and community partners can strengthen prevention, improve wellbeing, and reach those who might otherwise remain unseen.
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2).
