The National Churches Trust has recently developed a brand new easy to use online calculator called the ‘House of Good: Local’ to prove the social value of churches and their good works. Developed by ex-Treasury economists and using Treasury Green Book methodology, the calculator focuses on wellbeing and financial output provided by each activity - whether it’s choirs, foodbanks or youth groups. Research has already shown that churches deliver health outcomes which would cost the NHS £8.4 billion a year: the equivalent of 230,000 full-time nurses’ salaries.
Diocese of Newcastle Pilot
In exciting news, the Diocese of Newcastle has agreed to partner with the National Churches Trust to attempt the first 100% completion rate for a diocese. Each church will be able to use their results to highlight the crucial role their church plays in supporting local people as well as strengthen the case for fundraising, motivate volunteers, and contribute to the future planning of your church's mission.
The calculator works out the social, economic and wellbeing value of your church by using information taken from nine questions about activities at your building. Once you have the data, you should be able to complete The House of Good: Local calculator in under 30 minutes.
Every church in the Diocese of Newcastle is invited to calculate their social value using the online tool, ideally by Monday 9th March. If you need help to do this or would like any further information, please contact Joanne Christie
About the National Churches Trust
The National Churches Trust has existed in one form or another for 208 years. They give grants to churches in need of money for repairs - over 300 of them last year alone. They work across denominations and across all of the UK. They also provide advice, training, and support, and lobby on behalf of churches with government. They want volunteers to be able to focus on charity work and worship, not fundraising for tower repairs.