Possibilities and Opportunities Becky Payne, Development Officer for the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance, and independent consultant

“Churches with their combination of local clergy, volunteers, buildings and resources, aligned around core values of generosity and service, are well placed to make a significant contribution to the challenges of todays society” Rt Revd Adrian Newman, The Bishop of Stepney, April 2014

9,000 or 56% of the c.16,000 parish churches are in rural areas In rural areas, 75% of churches have attendance of fewer than 37 people, 50% fewer than 19, and 25% fewer than 10.

English Churches and Cathedrals Sustainability Review The Task Force will explore new models of financing repairs and maintenance of churches and cathedrals, including reviewing existing maintenance costs and repairs funding from lottery and central government grants. The review will also identify and develop a series of tools/resources/models, draw on successful case studies, and existing management within the C of E, Churches Conservation Trust and HLF

What is already happening in church buildings? Classrooms, SureStart Centres, nurseries, adult education, after-school clubs, libraries, Heritage centres, conference centres, internet cafes Senior citizens clubs, doctors’/dentists’ surgeries, community health facilities, support services for the homeless, asylum seekers, food banks, Citizen Advice Bureau, welfare/debt advice services, credit unions Exhibitions, drama, concerts, Arts Centres Post Offices, gyms, community shops, community banks, police stations, cafes, farmers’ markets Short mat bowls, pilates, yoga, table tennis, aerobics

Identifying a need – Statement of Need Impact on the historic fabric – Statement of Significance It is still a place of worship

TALK to your DAC (or equivalent) TALK to your congregation and your local community   TALK to other projects

“I think that, whether or not one attends all the church services, we are all grateful as villagers for the continuance of this valuable social hub. Thanks are due to the people who work so hard to keep it going as All Saints provides us with so much. I particularly value it as an oasis of calm; a place for us all to come together at important moments; a host to excellent social events and a chronicler of the village’s social history. Well done all.” (Village newsletter June 2016 recording re-dedication of church following HLF roof project)