Our Impact

10,000+

pastoral visits providing comfort to those who are ill or in need

1,400+

families supported through grief and loss by our funeral ministry and care

£200k+

raised by parishes for good causes and other charities

Hundreds of special events for all ages, bringing people and communities together 

237 churches cared for, many open daily to provide free space for quiet reflection

Eco Church groups continually forming to take practical action on climate change

Social action

Our churches provide welcoming places where people of all faiths and none can find practical support with some of life's big challenges. In areas of high economic deprivation, we provide a lifeline to communities hit hardest by the high cost of living. We bring communities together and help people in need every single day; running local food projects, offering places of welcome and support for refugees and asylum seekers; hosting activities for those who are isolated, helping family members through bereavement, running free baby, toddler and childrens groups, providing support with debt management, and facilitating mental health and wellbeing activities for a range of age groups.

Read John's story

Read Evelyn's story

Custodians of our community assets and cultural treasures

Our church venues play host to a vast array of grass roots, community led work that strengthens and enriches our society, ensuring communities can continue to flourish and be supported. None of this could happen without our church buildings and halls, that parishes - as small independent volunteer run charities - maintain at their own expense. Many of the buildings in our care are also listed heritage assets and some of the most important, historically significant and culturally sensitive in the North of England.

Children, young people and families

Our children’s and youth work focuses on providing safe environments and a wide range of activities that meet young people where they are. Walking alongside them through childhood and adolescence, we have the opportunity to model love, truth, justice and mercy. Our work also supports families and carers, helping to ease emotional and financial pressures, particularly in areas of high deprivation.

Action in the workplace

Amid busy workplaces, our churches offer welcoming spaces for quiet reflection. In the city centre, where thousands work and study, we work with city centre chaplaincy and street pastors to be a church in action, offering practical responses to issues of crime and safety, and acting as a supportive link between local businesses and the wider community. Workplace chaplains also provide guidance, counselling and a listening ear during times of crisis or difficulty, supporting not only individuals but their families and colleagues as well.

Our schools and school chaplaincy services

Our 49 church schools strive to develop well-rounded, skilled young people who aspire to live life in all its fullness and understand their role within local communities. Our school chaplains, in both church and non-church schools, support staff and pupils as they explore and develop their beliefs, celebrate times of joy and success, and express sorrow during times of sadness or loss.

Creation care

Our parishes continue to respond to the greatest global challenge of our time: the climate emergency. Dozens of churches work closely with the Christian charity Eco Church to protect and restore the natural world, while our diocese-wide approach reflects a strong commitment to achieving net zero carbon. This determination is part of our unwavering care for God’s Creation and is lived out through our worship and teaching, our activities, land and buildings, our strategy and planning, and our engagement with local communities, government and businesses.

£7.8m

our total expenditure budget

£3.9m donated by our network of 169 parishes, who work year-round to raise funds

£1.1m

our annual shortfall

£2.8m received in other income including wedding fees, grants and funding from the Church Commissioners