Latest news and stories

The latest news about church heritage including how to save it, things to look out for and interesting places to visit. You'll also find stories from churches, chapels and meeting houses from across the UK sharing about the wonderful ways they are keeping their buildings open and in use.

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Fiona Hunter

Church and heritage organisations urge UK Government to renew Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme

As organisations responsible for the church buildings belonging to the Catholic Church in England and Wales, the Church in Wales, the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, and as representatives of the Association of English Cathedrals, the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance and the National Churches Trust, we have grave concerns about the future of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme and call for its urgent renewal.

A photograph of the Houses of Parliament, taken from the River Thames

Westminster Hall debate secured for Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme

Bradley Thomas, the Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, has tabled a Westminster Hall debate on Wednesday January 22. This is a crucial next step in raising awareness about the importance of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. The scheme – a lifeline for historic churches – is set to run out in March. Find out more about the Westminster Hall debate and how you can get involved.

Boraston Church pictured behind a field of grass
Philip Pankhurst

England’s church heritage ‘danger zones’ revealed

New data reveals England’s church heritage ‘danger zones’ and shows the number of churches at risk in MP’s constituencies. Find out how many churches, chapels, cathedrals and meeting houses are at risk in your constituency and what you can do to save them.

Larling St Ethelbert undergoing building repairs
Matthew Welch

Autumn Budget: important update for UK churches

In her Autumn Budget, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves made no announcement about the extension of the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme. This is concerning – and why we need your help. Please write to your MP today to urge them to renew the scheme to help churches stay open and in good repair.

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TomParnell

Dispelling the myths: Bats in churches

Have you ever seen a shadowy, flittering figure whizz past you as you walk through the churchyard at dusk? Or perhaps you’ve discovered dry, glittery droppings but never found out who left these behind? Find out more from the Bat Conservation Trust.

Three children play football
Marko Milivojevic

Youth groups: keeping young people connected and healthy

Many church buildings are venues for youth clubs and other activities that bring young people together for social activities and sport. Often these help improve mental health as well as physical health and can particularly help those from underserved communities, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive.

A brick church pictured from the far side of a road
Mark Anderson CC-BY-SA2.0

Mental health counselling: the power of parish nurses

Content warning: this blog discusses suicidal feelings Every Parish Nurse is a registered nurse and is there to provide an additional layer of holistic support for individuals and communities. They are employed through a local church or Christian organisation, offering health education, advice and spiritual care to people of all faiths or none.

A box of food being held by a pair of anonymous hands
LFT Charitable Trust

Food banks: providing urgent support for vulnerable people

Malnutrition is estimated to cost the NHS in England £19.6 billion per year, and the cost of treating a malnourished patient is two to three times more than a non-malnourished patient. Food banks are one way that people experiencing food insecurity can be helped.