Last Chance Church suffers "colossal" fire damage
Antrim All Saints Parish church is the oldest church still used for worship in Northern Ireland. But it has just faced a new and urgent challenge: fire.
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.
Antrim All Saints Parish church is the oldest church still used for worship in Northern Ireland. But it has just faced a new and urgent challenge: fire.
Heritage is at risk like never before in the UK. But together, we are able to make a difference to churches, chapels and meeting houses – keeping them open and in use and protecting them for the future. In our latest round of grants, 53 places of worship now have hope for the future – thanks to you.
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.
High costs of repairs, dwindling congregation numbers and lack of financial support are making the future of many church buildings in Scotland uncertain. But the National Churches Trust is working in partnership with other organisations in Scotland to help equip places of worship to weather these uncertain times.
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.
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.
The National Churches Trust is concerned that the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme will not be renewed before the scheme comes to an end in 2025. Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust, writes to the Treasury to ask them to renew this vital scheme.
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.
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.
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.
With the UK Government making it clear that public finances are extremely tight, there are growing fears that the Treasury may be tempted not to renew The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, possibly as part of the Autumn Budget. This would be a devastating blow for churches, many of which are already struggling with the high cost of keeping their buildings open and in good repair.
St Illtyd’s Church in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, desperately needed to remove failing asbestos tiles from their roof and make their building watertight again. They then found an ingenious way to do it – one that got local schoolchildren very excited.