Category: Uncategorized
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Reflection: The mental health gospel
Revd John Beauchamp reflects on the Gospel imperative for the church to be a place of belonging and sanctuary for those experiencing mental illness. In recent years we have seen a greater recognition of mental illness and a growing openness from many to disclose and talk about their emotional and psychological struggles. Additionally, although mental…
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Wellbeing in Bristol Diocese
Ways of wellbeing: How Bristol Diocese has developed mental health support in churches over the last 5 years. Churches often do not recognise the contribution that activities they already run make to wellbeing and maintaining good mental health. Coffee mornings, art clubs, lunch clubs, holiday at home and more; all have a positive effect on…
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New Disability Project Manager
In December last year, the Archbishops’ Council awarded £2.4m for a new, two-year, programme to boost the participation of deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people in the life of the church. Helen James, currently working in the Central Services team, has been appointed as Project Manager for this work. Helen will be based in the Faith…
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£2.4 million boost to participation
The Church of England has announced £2.4 million to fund a series of measures aimed at boosting the participation of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people in parish life, from encouraging vocations to the priesthood to grants for improved access to buildings\ ….read more on the Church of England website.
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3rd December
In 2022 British Sign Language became an official language of the United Kingdom. There are estimated to be around 90,000 Deaf BSL communicators across the country and there are undoubtedly people in your parish who rely on BSL as their means of communication. How can you include the BSL community in your Christmas services? This website:…
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4th December
You can reach another community with Makaton. Makaton is a language which supports communication alongside written or spoken language for those with communication or learning impairments. Over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support their speech. In addition to children…
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5th December
Just remember if you are able bodied you have no idea what the obstacles are for disabled people when coming to church. So just ask people what they need. If you think you don’t have any disabled people in your congregation organise a lunch or an open meeting and invite people to tell you about…
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6th December
Test your hearing loop. Many Churches have a hearing loop but very few test them regularly to ensure they are working. You can ask a hearing aid user to test your loop or you can buy a tester so anyone can do it. The ‘Contacta IL-RX20 Loop Listener’ from www.contacta.co.uk will cost about £70. Other…
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7th December
If you use screens or printed materials during your Christmas services make sure they are as accessible as possible. This is a really easy thing to do, to make your services more accessible, and once you’re in the habit, takes no extra time or money! So how do you make sure your presentations and printed…
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8th December
God performs miracles through surprising choices. Joseph was going to discreetly divorce Mary until the angel spoke to him. In the most surprising of circumstances may we be prepared to be surprised by God’s choices, allowing God to speak to us about through whom He chooses to perform his miracles, including disabled people. Next Day:…
Disability Matters 