Faith-led. Community-focused. Rooted in People.

DNA Networks is a charitable organisation based in Colchester, Essex, built on the belief that faith should lead to action - and action should lead to lasting change.

We are a growing network of communities who come together around one simple idea: if you see a need, meet it. Whether it's helping a refugee family find their feet, offering someone the language skills to feel at home, or making sure a child has the uniform they need for school - our work is practical, relational, and full of purpose.

We’re here for the long haul. Our goal is not quick fixes, but deep, human-centred support that helps people flourish.

What We've Achieved

DNA Networks continues to grow in reach, depth and impact. Over the last few years, we have:

  • Helped 217 refugee families through the Essex Resettlement Programme

  • Distributed over 15,000 school uniform items through the Essex Free School Uniform Project

  • Provided English language support to people from dozens of nationalities, including Colchester’s Gurkha community

  • Supported faith-based youth and outreach programmes, including Colchester Open Doors and CYO

  • Funded international mission work in Thailand and beyond

  • Launched grassroots initiatives in sport, higher education, and local church communities

Our Story

DNA Networks began in 2001 as a church planting initiative. What started small has evolved into a wider movement of people committed to justice, kindness, and humility in action.

We're shaped by faith, but our methods are relational and flexible. There are no ivory towers here - just kitchen tables, WhatsApp groups, and drop-in centres. The kind of spaces where real life happens and people feel seen.

We operate through informal structures that allow projects to grow organically. What holds us together is not a central office, but a shared heart to walk alongside others and help communities thrive.

Who We Are

We are led by a small team with deep local roots and hands-on experience:

Eddie Campbell, CEO – Started as a family caseworker in 2014, working on refugee resettlement and English language support. In 2017, he founded the Free School Uniform Project, now one of our flagship initiatives.

Simone Hilliard, Finance Manager – Joined in 2021, bringing financial rigour and a steady hand to our operations. She works alongside Simon, who first came as a volunteer in 2013 and now serves part-time in our finance team.

Our frontline team includes staff with lived experience as refugees or former service users. Their insight makes our support personal, respectful, and effective.

Governance and Oversight

We are a registered UK charity, overseen by a Board of Trustees who meet five times a year to:

  • Review strategy and programme effectiveness

  • Ensure robust safeguarding and compliance

  • Maintain financial accountability

Day-to-day leadership sits with our CEO and senior staff, with strong systems in place to ensure transparency and good stewardship at every level.

We are proud to partner with councils, charities, churches, and funders who share our values - and we’re always open to new partnerships that help us do more, better.

Reports and Financials

Our latest Annual Report and Financial Statements are available via the Charity Commission website.

For further documents, or to discuss funding, partnership or due diligence enquiries, please [get in touch with us directly].

Let us show you what practical faith looks like in action - and how your involvement could change lives.