On 4 December 2025, the UK Parliament hosted a significant national gathering titled ‘Building with Communities: What Is Needed and What Is Possible – The Future of Integrated Neighbourhoods’. Held at the House of Commons and led by One Vision charity, the event brought together senior leaders from the NHS, academia, national charities, local government, community organisations, and the faith sector.
The initiative was convened under the leadership of Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, Founder and Chief Executive of One Vision charity and a committed Seventh-day Adventist. The gathering reflected a growing national movement centred on partnership, justice, compassion, and whole-person care – principles deeply aligned with Adventist values.
Scripture calls God’s people to “seek the peace of the city” (Jeremiah 29:7), and this spirit shaped the contributions of Adventist representatives present in Parliament. Addressing the gathering, Mr Kanagaraj described the occasion as more than a conference, emphasising that effective systems must be built with communities rather than for them. He highlighted the importance of lived experience in shaping policy and reaffirmed One Vision’s commitment to ensuring that no community is overlooked or left behind.
The event also resonated strongly with Adventist health and the Adventist mission. Representing the British Union Conference, Sharon Platt-McDonald, Health Ministries Director and One Vision Trustee, contributed a faith-centred perspective to discussions on integrated neighbourhoods. She highlighted that Christ’s ministry model – caring for people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs – remains central to Adventist engagement in community wellbeing.
Reflecting on the gathering, Sharon Platt-McDonald noted that the unity of purpose demonstrated in Parliament mirrored the heart of the Adventist mission. She emphasised the responsibility of faith communities to create environments where individuals and families can flourish, describing the event as a clear example of faith in action.
Parliamentary support for the initiative was voiced by Matt Turmaine MP, Member of Parliament for Watford, who affirmed the importance of communities being heard and actively involved in shaping the services that affect their lives. He commended One Vision charity for modelling what can be achieved through partnership, compassion, and strong local leadership.
The programme featured a wide range of national and local voices, including representatives from Macmillan Cancer Support, the NIHR Coordinating Centre, community housing, integrated care boards, and faith-based organisations. Discussions explored how collaboration across sectors can strengthen neighbourhoods and address health inequalities, particularly within underserved communities.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of the partnership between One Vision charity and Macmillan Cancer Support. This collaboration focuses on delivering inclusive support to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the Adventist commitment to healing and hope for all.
The gathering concluded with a shared commitment to empower communities as equal partners, build trust through service, and strengthen compassion-led neighbourhoods. For Adventist leaders present, the event stood as a powerful witness to the role of faith in public life – demonstrating that Christ-centred values of service, justice, and humility continue to make a meaningful difference across Britain.