Christians across all traditions have shown remarkable, consistent generosity towards orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Motivated by compassion and a desire to see children thrive, countless congregations and charities have invested time, prayer and resources to support children facing difficult circumstances.
But how can we ensure that our desire to help leads to the best possible outcomes for children and families?
On Tuesday 20 October 2026 at 7 pm, Homecoming is hosting When Helping Helps, a free online webinar bringing together leading voices from theology, international development, safeguarding, child welfare and lived experience to explore how Christian compassion can have the greatest positive impact on children and families.
Homecoming is a coalition of organisations advocating for family-based care that works with churches, charities and supporters to promote approaches that help children grow up in safe, loving families and to reduce the number of children unnecessarily placed in orphanages. The Homecoming Coalition is hosted within Home for Good and Safe Families.
Inspired by themes raised in Brian Fikkert’s influential book When Helping Hurts, the webinar will explore an increasingly important question for churches, charities and mission supporters: how can we help in ways that strengthen families rather than unintentionally contributing to family separation?
The event features a panel of speakers from a range of Christian traditions and professional backgrounds, including Dr Brian Fikkert (Chalmers Center), Dr Krish Kandiah OBE (Sanctuary Foundation), Emma Lynch (Tearfund Ireland), Stephen Ucembe (Hope and Homes for Children), Justin Humphreys (Integra Safeguarding) and Tony Lewry (Homecoming).
Drawing on research, practical experience and personal stories, the discussion will explore the links between poverty, child vulnerability, family separation and effective Christian responses. Speakers will challenge some common assumptions about helping vulnerable children while highlighting practical ways churches, charities and supporters can strengthen families and communities.
Open to people from all church traditions, this webinar will encourage and challenge church leaders, charity workers, mission supporters and anyone passionate about seeing children thrive.
Book your place at When Helping Helps.
Home for Good/Safe Families is a Charity and Network in Association with Churches Together in England.