Christian MP Jim Shannon has asked for parliament to recognise the contribution of Christian charity Faith in Later Life in their service to older people.

The MP for Strangford has submitted and Early Day Motion, which are used by MPs in the Commons to draw the attention of the House to a particular issue, event or campaign. Other MPs can show their support for an EDM by adding their own signature to it.

Faith in Later Life encourages churches to help solve loneliness among older people and be a voice for the elderly in the church.

Mr Shannon's EDM asks: "That this House celebrates the contribution of Christian charity, Faith in Later Life, as it seeks to mobilise the church to reach, serve and empower older people across the UK; notes the contribution of over 480 church champions, as it marks its first Annual conference to equip those who are leading vital work at a local level; and recognises the contribution of the church in this important area as society seeks to engage afresh with older people beyond the pandemic."

Departing CEO of Faith in Later Life, Carl Knightly, told Premier: "Having an Early Day Motion in Parliament praising the work that the church does with older people is crucial as we move forward and as we see the church leading the work that is done by thousands of volunteers...we continue to encourage local and national churches to invest in this. The pandemic reminded us of seeing the value of older people and this must not stop."

The motion has been signed by five DUP MPs and one Conservative MP: Jim Shannon, Carla Lockhart, Sammy Wilson, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Paul Girvan and Bob Blackman.

Carl Knightly will be joining London City Mission and Laura Treneer will take over as interim CEO of Faith in Later Life.