Cathedral Relief Service (CRS) was established in 1971 in Kolkata, in response to the mass displacement of people due to the civil war that led to the creation of Bangladesh. After the end of the war, CRS focused its attention on the ongoing needs of people in informal settlements, where it works with marginalised people living in poverty to help them develop the skills needed for self-sufficiency.

Its work includes education projects for school-age students, employment, education and training programs for women, healthcare and health education, and support for people with disabilities. CRS also undertakes programs to educate women about their rights, particularly around violence and abuse. Anglican Overseas Aid has partnered with CRS for more than 15 years, focussing on skills training for women enabling them to set up their own small businesses and provide for themselves and their families, along with education about their health and rights.