Welcome to CSAN

CSAN (Caritas Social Action Network) is the umbrella organisation of charities with a Catholic ethos, providing professional social care within the UK. Our members provide services to marginalised and vulnerable children, adults and families of all faiths and none.

This site provides an introduction into our work and the positive difference our member charities make to people's everyday lives. What is CSAN?

Download our brochure 'An Introduction to CSAN' or find out more about membership

Latest news...

Au revoir to CSAN's outgoing Director, Philippa Gitlin

At the end of July, CSAN bade a fond farewell to outgoing Director, Philippa Gitlin, who, after 4 years in post has decided to retire. Friends, family, current and former colleagues attended a thanksgiving Mass and a leaving reception to celebrate Philippa's immense contribution to the work of Caritas Social Network. We all wish her well. Click here for photos of the Mass and Philippa's leaving reception.

At the same time, CSAN welcomed new Chief Executive, Helen O'Brien, who has joined from St Joseph's Pastoral Centre in Hendon, where she was Director for over 5 years. Click here to read a press statement on Helen O'Brien's appointment.

2010 The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion

The European Commission calls out to all EU member states to focus on raising awareness of and combating poverty and social exclusion in Europe as well as renewing the political commitment of the EU to solidarity. Caritas Europa and all its member organisations support this initiative and has launched its "Zero Poverty" campaign for individuals as well as organisations. The campaign aims to reach 1 million signatures by the end of the year to activate the European Citizen's Initiative and calls on European governments to take four achievable steps to end poverty:

End child poverty by guaranteeing allowances for every child in Europe; regardless of the status of their parents;
Secure a minimum standard of social security for everyone;
Increase the provision of social and healthcare services;
Take active steps to ensure decent jobs with decent wages;

If you support these ideas please SIGN THE PETITION and also pass it on to colleagues and friends.

To look at more facts and figures about poverty in Europe and projects organised by Caritas members, please visit: http://www.zeropoverty.org/

Online directory of services to older people provided by the Catholic community

Elderly Lady with hands

An online directory of services to older people provided by organisations and charities within the Catholic community has been made available by CSAN on this web site. The directory lists organisations providing residential nursing and respite care in addition to outreach and befriending services. Members of the public can search the directory to find services within dioceses across England and Wales. Click here to access the online directory.

'It's still ME, Lord...'. A film exploring dementia and spirituality

CSAN's DVD on dementia and spirituality, 'It's still ME, Lord' can be ordered by contacting CSAN directly. More information on 'It's still ME, Lord...' or CSAN's dementia and spirituality project.

Dementia and Spirituality Online Resource for Parishes and Deaneries

CSAN has also released an online learning resource in the form of guidance to parishes and deaneries on taking practical steps to raising awareness and providing structured support for people with dementia and their carers at parish level. Click here for more information.

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Real stories

Read about one of our members' inspirational projects!

Solidarity into action : First Catholic Social Days for Europe

Photos of the launch of the older persons' services mapping report