Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN)

Who we are

Inspired by the life and example of Jesus Christ, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) was established by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales to develop the Church’s social action in these parts of the United Kingdom.  We share in the mission of the Catholic Church.  We want England and Wales to be places where every person can be fulfilled in their families and communities, living with peace and human dignity.

We are a small national team, based in London, seeking to animate and co-ordinate Catholic charitable activities and to bring the voices of the poor and Catholic teaching to bear in guiding public policy.

Caritas Social Action Network seeks to develop the capacity of personal, parish, community and national action to address many forms of misery and to promote social justice in England and Wales. The network includes Catholic dioceses and professional organisations committed to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.  Their work includes community and specialist support for families and children, the elderly, people who are homeless, refugees, the disabled, and prisoners.  Their approach is often distinctive – in supporting people who cannot access help elsewhere, in building on the dignity and strengths of each person, and in being present over the long term.  They draw on deep and lasting connections of volunteers and staff with their neighbourhoods.