'Share the good that is already happening around us' 

Churches are invited to contribute to A Million Acts of Hope, a nationwide UK campaign bringing together charities, faith groups and communities to celebrate everyday acts of kindness, compassion and solidarity

The campaign seeks to counter division by making visible the countless ways people are building connection and hope in their local communities. By Steve Tinning

At a time when much of our public conversation can feel polarised or fragile, this campaign offers something simple and powerful: a chance to notice, name and share the good that is already happening all around us. From small acts of neighbourliness to long-standing community ministries, A Million Acts of Hope shines a light on the ways people are choosing generosity, welcome and care.
 
The Baptist Union of Great Britain is one of many partners supporting this initiative. It resonates deeply with who we are – a movement of churches seeking to follow Jesus and make Him known, in ways that are rooted in love, committed to justice, and attentive to the needs of our communities.

Many Baptist churches are already engaged in this work every day. This campaign simply helps us make that visible, connecting local stories into a wider national picture of hope.
 

How we can get involved 

During the Week of Action (13–20 May), churches are invited to take part in ways that are visible, relational and rooted in their local context. This isn’t about creating something complex, overtly political, or even new, but about recognising and sharing the difference that is already being made.
 
So, the simple invitation is this: Choose one or two actions, take part during 13–20 May, and share it.
 

1. Start with what you already do 
 
Identify an existing activity you can “badge” as an Act of Hope – such as a foodbank, toddler group, youth work, community café, debt advice service, or welcome space. 

Or plan something small and intentional: 

• a community coffee morning 
• a shared meal 
• a litter pick or neighbourhood tidy-up 
• a “Hope Wall” where people can write what gives them hope 
• an opportunity to connect with someone new 

Where it works locally, this might involve a partnership with other churches, charities or community groups to reflect the shared nature of the campaign.
 
 
2. Take part (13–20 May)
 
During the Week of Action, the focus is on simple, tangible expressions of hope.

• Do an Act of Hope – something practical that serves your local community 
• Thank your people – celebrate volunteers and those whose everyday faithfulness makes a difference 
• Create space for connection – bring people together, especially across difference  
• Some churches may also choose to reflect this in gathered worship – through prayer, storytelling, or sharing where hope is being seen locally.

 
3. Share what you’re doing
 
A key part of the campaign is helping to tell a bigger, collective story.

• Share a photo, short story or reflection on social media using #MillionActsOfHope
• Tag @1mactsofhope, @BaptistUnionGB and @BaptistsTogether and add #MillionActsOfHope where possible
• Encourage people to sign the “Biggest Ever Thank You Card”
• Add your activity to the national map  

This isn’t about self-promotion, but about ensuring that these stories of hope are seen, heard and multiplied.
 

4. Keeping the right tone
 
A Million Acts of Hope is intentionally non-partisan and invitational.
 
As churches take part, we are encouraged to:

• Focus on action, gratitude and community 
• Celebrate what brings people together 
• Avoid party-political messaging or language that deepens division  

For Baptists, this reflects our commitment to engage with the world around us in ways that are both thoughtful and gracious.
 

Why this matters
 
Across the country, Baptist churches are already serving their communities through food provision, debt support, work with children and families, refugee welcome, and initiatives that reduce loneliness and support wellbeing.
 
Too often, these stories remain unseen beyond their immediate context. In their place, we are often presented with narratives that emphasise division and difference, which can quietly shape our expectations of one another.
 
This campaign offers a moment to join those stories together – helping to reveal something deeper about our shared life: that even in challenging times, there is compassion, generosity and hope at work in our communities.
 

A final encouragement
 
You don’t need to do something extraordinary to take part.
 
If your church is already loving its community, you are already part of this story.

This May, take one small step further: name it, share it, and invite others to see the hope that is already among us.
 

For more, visit millionactsofhope.org

The Revd Steve Tinning is the Baptist Union's Public Issues Enabler, dividing his working week between the Joint Public Issues Team and the Baptist Union of Great Britain