I ask not to see the distant scene, a step enough for me - Cardinal Newman
Spaces of Hope is engaged in gatherings, networks, events and campaigns both on the margins of society and across the public square. This has been the case since our inception in 2016 with over 80 such engagements taking place since then. You can find out more about our interventions here and in the drop down menu, with gatherings detailed chronologically from 2016 to present, each offering a next step, following the inspiration of Cardinal Newman.

If you want to engage with us, you can by contacting Matthew.

2023

December 2023 - Laudato Si Centre in the Diocese of Salford - "Eco Stepping Stones - Nurture and Discipleship"

Matthew delivered the second part of the Eco Stepping Stones series to lay leaders from the Diocese of Manchester, hosted at the Laudato Si Centre, at Wardley Hall. The centre has converted the Garden's of the Bishop's house into a space of learning and creation care, within which we explored themes of nature and discipleship 
September 2023 - Diocese of Manchester - "Launch of Eco Stepping Stones Leadership Catalyst Resource"

From 2022 to early summer 2025 Dr Barber-Rowell worked with the Diocese of Manchester to develop an Eco Transformation Programme, which became embedded within the life of the Diocese. A central pillar of his work was the design and deliver of the Eco Stepping Stones Toolkit, designed in conjunction with the delivery of the Eco Elective lay leaders module and development of a network of Eco Champions in the Diocese. This moves beyond theory and knowledge sharing about the climate crisis and coaches laity on how to respond practically to the climate crisis. in September 2023, Eco Stepping Stones was launched.
April 2023 - July 2023 - Diocese of Manchester - Ecology and Creation Lay Leadership Training 

As co-convenor of this course, I offered an introduction to and a guide through the Climate Crisis, and supported students to develop theological resources to respond in their context. This course offered an entry level point of access to climate policy, eco theology and terminology, and addressed questions of measurement and legacy from eco projects, as part of the Church's commitment to reach Net Zero by 2030. The course comprised 12 sessions across a 4 months period, including the Eco retreat, run by Dr Barber-Rowell
March 2023 to September 2023 - Provoking a movement of hope in the city to eradicate poverty, with Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS): 

During 2023 Dr Barber-Rowell was commissioned to deliver a provocation in the city of Liverpool to the Community and Voluntary Sector, and the Marmot Group of City Leaders. The provocation was commissioned by LCVS as the oldest CVS in the country. This provocation examined the challenges involved in eradicating poverty in Liverpool, and set out a hope-filled vision and strategy for doing so. 
March to October 2023 - investigating and challenging the working culture and practices at Liverpool Hope University

Throughout April and May 2023, Dr Barber-Rowell curated a series of dialogues across Liverpool Hope University, offering a chance for people to reflect on whether the University is both "Hope by name, and hope by nature?" The series of dialogues is being supported by the Hope Ecumenical Network (HEN), which connects the University with Christian institutions around the world. Dr Wendy Bignold, Associate Dean (International), who is a Co-Director for HEN said:

“The Spaces of Hope dialogues are a great opportunity for you to tell your story and share your experiences of hope, at Hope! It will be interesting to see how these dialogues relate to Hope’s own mission and values.” 

Following the Spaces of Hope dialogues, a report of the findings was delivered to the University’s Mission and Values Committee chaired by the Vice Chancellor. 

Spaces of Hope