How Local Churches Can Help Communities
England has tens of thousands of churches, with kind volunteers. And in a society where so many people need free or affordable help, our churches offer many ways to be of service, to be of any faith or none.
Also read our posts on how churches are helping homeless people.
Reaching Out with Community Programmes
Churches run events for all ages, like parent and toddler groups, after-school clubs, and youth sessions. Older adults can find coffee mornings or gentle exercise classes. Holiday clubs and community fairs bring the whole neighbourhood together.
These activities let people connect and draw new people in who might not visit otherwise. Church outreach groups also visit those who feel left out, such as the elderly or isolated.
Offering Affordable Church Hall Hire
Local churches often make their halls available for local events at a much lower cost than commercial venues. Community groups, schools, fitness classes, and support groups use church halls for meetings or activities. The lower hire fees are a massive help for groups with tight budgets.
This keeps social groups running and gives people places to meet and share interests, without breaking the bank.
Giving Confidential Pastoral Care
Churches offer a quiet space for people to talk about worries or personal problems. Pastoral workers or ministers listen in confidence, whatever your background or beliefs.
This service is free and doesn’t require you to join the church. Support could range from help with grief, relationship problems, stress, or family issues. Knowing someone will listen without judgement brings relief and can help people feel less alone.
Supporting Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Many people turn to local churches during tough times for emotional support. Churches run listening services, prayer groups, and drop-in sessions for those facing stress, anxiety, or loss. They may also signpost people to professional help if they need it.
Warmth and empathy are at the heart of what they do, whether it’s a quiet chat or a safe space for reflection. This ongoing support makes a big difference in people’s daily lives. Like family disputes or domestic abuse force people to leave home with nowhere to turn.
The Proud History of England’s Chaplaincy Teams
England has a proud history of chaplaincy teams, religious groups who band together to give help to people needing mental health support, including those at risk of suicide.
Never preachy, NHS England has more information on what chaplains do. Churches Together in England go into greater detail on the benefits of chaplaincy, and how it makes a difference.
The only time the media has ever promoted them, was when they were laughing at some, who were given out free flip-flops to young girls, whose feet were sore from dancing in heels! On a more serious note, they were actually there to keep the girls safe, in case any needed a talk or lifts home.
Another name given to chaplaincy teams these days is ‘street angels’, just google your area, and you’ll likely find a group near you (the one in Guildford has great testimonials).
One Scottish group of street angels help out at festivals, saying that Jesus liked a good party, as much as anyone! They are not there to ruin people’s fun. If anything, they often join in the fun (as well as giving directions to toilets and helping people out of the mud!)
Beachy Head Chaplaincy Team
Perhaps England’s best known chaplaincy team is at Beachy Head Lighthouse (Sussex), known for its red and white striped, against a dramatic backdrop of white cliffs. The lighthouse was built in 1902 in an area often shrouded in mist, in order to keep boats safe.
When someone visits here to end their life, the chaplains are nearby, ready to listen to someone in despair. All the chaplains are volunteers from local churches, who never preach. They just reach out with skilled crisis intervention, to anyone who needs help.
If it weren’t for the chaplaincy team at Beachy Head, my wife would now be a widow. Thank you for being there are my lowest.
