Church’s massive role with older people across Nottinghamshire shines through

A recent survey of churches across Nottinghamshire has revealed the massive role being played by churches in the care and support of older people.

Some 200 parishes responded to questions about their work with older people and revealed that more than 100 run services in Residential Homes and Nursing homes – with most of those run monthly. Apart from special services churches are offering a wide range of activities from lunch clubs and befriending/visiting schemes to arranging transport, coffee mornings, friendship clubs, Whist Drives, Bingo, Dancing and even Cinema trips.

Partnership Director for the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, the Revd David McCoulough, said: “This survey highlights the great job church volunteers are doing with older people in villages, towns and larger urban areas. And this is only a partial picture as the survey only looked at Anglican churches, which means far more is going on through other churches and faith communities. Most of these activities are offered to the whole community, not just for those attending church.”

The survey also showed that more than 130 churches run activities for this age group and more than 100 arrange transport for older people to get to church.

In celebration of this work and the way that churches are also working partnership with other charities and local authorities, and as part of UK and International Older People’s Day events, a special service to celebrate the churches work with older people will be held at Southwell Minster on Friday, October 2nd at 2.45 pm, when everyone is welcome.