This Christmas, there will be churches across the UK where no carols are sung and where no bells are ringing. As many as 3,850 churches, chapels, and meeting houses need an urgent roof repair in the next twelve months. This is a cultural and community crisis.
The Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme is a lifeline for historic churches – saving them 20 per cent on repair costs. But the future of the scheme is uncertain – and churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals across the country are now paying up to a fifth more for repairs. To fix urgent needs like leaking roofs and crumbling towers. Some of them cannot afford to do these repairs anymore, putting heritage and church buildings across the country at risk of disrepair and closure. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have now been given their budget for the next few years. It is now up to them to decide if they will fund the scheme. Please join us in urging them to make the scheme permanent.
Find out moreWe've helped keep open, in good repair and supporting local people since 2007.
To churches and chapels for urgent repairs, new facilities and essential maintenance.
Removed from the Heritage at Risk Register in 2024 with the support of our grants.
The National Churches Survey sets out clearly the challenges that churches are facing and also the opportunities for renewal, if we act together. Without intervention the risks are high – we risk losing these buildings and all they embody – for good. Let us rise to that call, so that churches, chapels and meeting houses continue to stand as beacons of hope in the United Kingdom now and for many generations to come.
Every year in England, Historic England update and publish their Heritage at Risk Register, showing what listed buildings across the country have fallen into disrepair. The National Churches Trust analyses this data and provides a breakdown of places of worship that are at risk – drawing national attention to these beautiful buildings, to help them to be saved.
Join us for our annual Carols by Candlelight concert on Thursday 11 December, 7pm at Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, London. Be transported into a winter wonderland with your favourite festive carols from our choir and brass band, as well as music and readings from Katie Derham, Joe Stilgoe and Bill Bryson.
