by Jo Henney, Chief Executive Officer, Nugent

 

I recently had the privilege of representing Nugent at the Caritas Social Action Network Leadership Conference in Rome, joining charity leaders from across England and Wales for a week of reflection, discussion, and shared learning. Set against the beautiful surroundings of Villa Palazzola, the conference explored some of the most pressing issues facing our communities today, including poverty, social justice, human dignity, leadership, the future of work, and the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. 

Throughout the week, a recurring theme was the importance of listening. Whether discussing leadership, Catholic social teaching, or the future role of the Church, we were encouraged to slow down, listen deeply and discern together how we can best respond to the challenges facing those we serve. 

One of the highlights of the week was attending Pope Leo XIV’s General Audience in St Peter’s Square. Gathering alongside pilgrims from around the world was a powerful reminder of the universal nature of the Church and our shared mission to build communities rooted in hope, compassion and solidarity. We also arranged for books written about the life of Father Nugent (which are available online at Amazon and eBay) to be shared with His Holiness. 

The conference concluded with a powerful call for greater collaboration between Catholic organisations. As charities, we cannot address society’s challenges alone. By working together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another, we can have a greater impact on the lives of those who need us most. I return to Liverpool inspired by the commitment, compassion and faith of those I met throughout the week. The conversations may have taken place in Rome, but their relevance extends far beyond it. 

I look forward to bringing these insights back to Nugent as we continue our mission of walking alongside people, supporting them to flourish and ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, respect and love.