Hope renewed on journey through bereavement
A new independent evaluation has confirmed the life-changing impact of The Bereavement Journey – a church-led programme equipping volunteers to walk alongside those who are grieving.
Developed by the charity AtaLoss and relaunched in 2023, the seven-week programme, with accompanying signposting, helps adults process loss – whether recent or long ago – through structured sessions, safe conversation and an optional exploration of the Christian faith. Alongside, participants are introduced to AtaLoss.org, a national signposting website offering further tailored support.
The evaluation, conducted by Youthrive Research Consultancy, reviewed feedback from 377 courses across the UK. The results were striking.
- 96 per cent gained a deeper understanding of how bereavement was affecting them
- 95 per cent said the course helped them process their loss
- 86 per cent reported reduced loneliness
- 73 per cent saw improvements in mental health
- Over 93 per cent felt better able to cope with daily life
Participants spoke of finding renewed hope, resilience, and the confidence to re-engage with others. One shared: ‘It has helped me to avoid just going down into depression… because if I hadn’t gone on the programme, that’s probably where I’d be.’
Despite leaders’ initial hesitancy, 95 per cent of those attending the optional faith questions session, many with little or no church background, found it helpful, with some exploring faith further.
Revd Canon Yvonne Tulloch, CEO of AtaLoss, said: ‘As churches open their doors to the grieving, lives are being restored and communities strengthened. This evaluation shows the Church has a unique opportunity in bereavement support – and is leading the way.’
With more than 400 churches already offering the programme, CRE 25 visitors will be invited to explore how their own church or Christian organisation can bring this ministry of hope into their community.
Revd Nicky Grey, head of church engagement for AtaLoss, will offer more information on how to get started at her talk at CRE 25, ‘The Extraordinary impact of The Bereavement Journey on well-being and mission’ (1.30pm Thu 16 Oct, Talks Area 1).
- AtaLoss are on stand Stand E8 at CRE 25
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Your window of opportunity to buy the Real Advent Calendar
If you are looking to pick up Real Advent Calendars then the biggest shelf stock in the UK this year will be at CRE 25 – and that’s official!
Made by the Meaningful Chocolate Co (MCC), it is the UK’s only Fairtrade Advent calendar that comes with a free 24-page Christmas story-activity book and supports charitable causes. The book includes challenges such as supporting charities and saying a prayer. No other calendar enables parents and children to experience the Christmas story for 24 days and be challenged to do some good in the season.
MCC founder David Marshall, said: ‘Following the pandemic, Tesco stopped stocking our calendar which means you have to either buy online or visit a local retailer. The good news is that 10ofThose will be selling the calendar at their bookstall at stand A1. With free parking at Sandown Park you can buy cases of calendars and load up the car for wide distribution through children’s groups or pick up singles for your own family, saving on postage.’
You can read more about the initiative here or view a video of the Real Advent Calendar book.
- The Real Advent Calendar will be on sale at the 10ofThose bookshop (stand A1)
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See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
CRE 25 is Wed 15 and Thu 16 Oct
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Make, create and flourish – with a little help from Jayne James
An artist who left her teaching job after more than 30 years, will make her debut at CRE 25 – encouraging visitors to develop their artistic techniques.
Jayne James (pictured), has worked overseas in different educational roles, and a year ago decided to concentrate on helping others enjoy art through her company, Let the Dove Fly.
‘It encapsulates what I do as an artist – through prayer, praise and paint. God’s word inspires,’ she said. ‘The Holy Spirit guides and directs my prayer and praise. As I work, the Holy Spirit continues to intercede.
‘In addition to my own art practice I work in a variety of ways to engage others and facilitate opportunities and events for them to develop their own conversation. As an image bearer of God, the creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:27), my aim is to inspire and be inspired, developing my own creativity and watching others flourish as they make and create!’
Jayne will be available at CRE 25 for commissions, working with others to create an original artwork, or to organise nurturing retreats at which she combines professional artistic instruction with spiritual guidance, creating immersive experiences where participants deepen both their faith and creative skills. Visitors can register for a day retreat or discuss a group event.
- Let the Dove Fly are on stand R7 at CRE 25
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Where you will find faith, fellowship – and fuss-free planning
Organising a group event can feel like a bit of a juggling act with the joy of gathering together lost in the complexity of administration.
That’s where Imago Venues step in.
‘Creating a space where people feel free to express, share and grow in their faith it is at the heart of what we do,’ said Imago’s Tara Tattersall. ‘We create places where people love to be. And for church groups, that means venues that feel warm and inclusive.’
Whether you’re planning a day event filled with prayer, learning, or celebration, Imago Venues offer:
- Flexible spaces for workshops, and group activities
- Tailored packages that make planning easy and stress-free
- Overnight accommodation for longer events or multi-day gatherings
- Catering options that suit your group’s preferences and needs
- And most importantly – a team that genuinely cares
‘We know your focus is on building faith, trust and lasting memories, said Tara, ‘so, we’ve made it our mission to handle the details, meaning you can focus on what truly matters. From the moment you get in touch, we’re here to make things simple, personal, and smooth.’
‘Our time at Burleigh Court was exceptional,’ said a member of Foursquare Church. ‘The staff were so amazing and welcoming. Staff went the extra mile to make sure our complicated rooming list was accommodated.’
The Venue is situated just off junction 23 of the M1, with free parking. Loughborough Station connects to campus via a quick shuttle service, and regular intercity trains run direct from London St Pancras.
- Imago Venues are on stand L1 at CRE 25
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Boost for London’s growing homeless population
With recorded homelessness in the capital at its highest-ever level, Housing Justice is supporting more people forced into homelessness and rough sleeping.
The organisation is expanding the reach of the existing South East London Citadel project and launching Community Connectors in North and East London. Joanna Whitney, Housing Justice’s marketing and communications manager: ‘This is a much needed part of London’s response, with rough sleeping figures having increased by 58 per cent since 2014 and more than 183,000 Londoners estimated to be homeless and living in temporary accommodation. It is the highest-ever level of recorded homelessness in the capital – equivalent to at least one in 50 Londoners.’
The Citadel model, established within several communities across England and Wales since 2020, supports people who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness to find and sustain housing, integrate into a community and establish a home.
Joanna continued: ‘We have co-ordinators who recruit and train volunteers, who are matched with people referred to Community Connectors for support. The co-ordinators and volunteers then work closely with people who have been referred to establish what matters to them and provide personalised support. This might include support with finding a suitable property, decorating and furnishing their home, managing bills and budgeting, joining a social club or community group, attending appointments, or just having a cup of coffee and a chat – all led by what matters to the individual.’
Poppy Thomas, Community Connectors manager, is looking for volunteers to join her growing team.
‘We are absolutely delighted to be launching Community Connectors to give North and East Londoners a practical way that they can help to end homelessness in their communities,’ she said. ‘Volunteers play a fundamental role in building connections to help people out of homelessness for good and provide support in all sorts of different ways.’
John has benefitted from support in another Citadel community and cannot emphasise enough the importance of his link. ‘Sometimes the only reason I get out of bed is to see my volunteer,’ he said. ‘It’s the highlight of my week.’
Anyone interested in joining the volunteer teams in Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Camden, City of London, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Havering, Islington, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Redbridge or Waltham Forest, will be able to sign up at CRE 25.
- Housing Justice are on stand I5 at CRE 25
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See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
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What is God doing in prison?
With prisons constantly in the news, churches in the UK need to support the vital ministry of prison chaplains.
The Good News newspaper, an evangelistic monthly paper run as a charity, is there to help them. Good News provides more than 3,000 free copies to prison chaplains in 107 of the country’s 142 prisons – paid for by supporters who donate to the ministry. The papers are packed and posted by volunteers at a north-east church.
Phill Bounds, who leads Good News’ prison ministry, told CRE News: ‘The newspaper is used in a variety of ways, including through cell visits and in the chapels and libraries – a great way of opening a spiritual conversation. Many inmates enjoy reading the paper and begin to explore the Christian faith.
‘We often receive requests from prisoners for more information or someone to write to them. We have a dedicated Christian counsellor with prison ministry experience who responds and answers their questions.’
Former Government ministerJonathan Aitken, now patron of Prison Fellowship UK, recommends Good News for prison work.
‘I admire the excellence of the Good News paper,’ he said. ‘It is well written, well produced and a valuable journalistic bridge-builder between the Christian and secular worlds. I am a regular reader and always enjoy reading it. I am particularly glad to know that Good News reaches many ex-offenders.”
As for the prisoners themselves, here’s what two have to say about Good News.
‘Thank you for your newspaper. I fully read all your articles and in a time of need it brought me much joy to hear of your amazing stories. This year I have chosen to take a real leap of faith and leave my past behind me.’
‘I am writing to congratulate you on your spiritually-uplifting publication, which I enjoy every month. The articles are always of interest to me. I am working, with the help of God, on what brought me here.’
Phill Bounds added: ‘Please pray for staff and chaplains who frequently face physical violence. We thank God for gifts for our prison ministry, both large and small, which help us send Good News free of charge to Christian chaplains.’
- The Good News newspaper is on stand D5 at CRE 25
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See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
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To see the stories of Jesus – just add colour
It’s a 24-page colouring book/tract – available in 135 languages – which uses only Scripture to tell the story of Jesus.
The Good News Colouring Book (GNCB) may be freely downloaded from the internet and the dual language versions are perfect for sharing with people of other languages and cultures. The large-print versions are good for sharing with the elderly, whose vision may be impaired. Any size can be used for children’s ministry.
The book’s founder, Jamie Pritchett, told CRE News: ‘We like to call it an introduction to Jesus. I have personally used it for sharing the gospel with people from other countries, people in care homes, taxi drivers and children.
‘A woman I knew had a Farsi-speaking husband who would not attend church with her. I asked her if he would mind checking the Farsi/English Good News Colouring Book for accuracy. She asked him and he agreed to do it. A few weeks later she reported that he was impressed with the book and said that it was accurate and well written. He later gave his life to Christ.’
You can find out how to use the GNCB in your neighbourhood at the Good News Colouring Book stand. Jamie Pritchett will also talk on the initiative at CRE 25 (12 noon Wed 15 Oct) in Talks Area Four.
- The Good News Colouring Book is on stand K3 at CRE 25
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Time to park your parking problems with Gemini
Your church car park should serve your congregation and visitors, without wasting time on unauthorised parking.
So say Gemini Parking Solutions, who are in business to help churches get on with serving the community rather than policing precious parking spaces.
‘Our approach ensures adequate spaces for church members and visitors – so they can attend services and activities without parking stress,’ said Gemini’s Richard Campion. ‘We can help create a safe, welcoming parking environment – a positive first impression for all who visit.’
The company can also protect against unauthorised use – keeping spaces available for key personnel.
‘We ensure professional management with zero disruption – allowing the church to focus on ministry, not parking issues,’ said Richard. ‘We can also create an additional revenue stream to support your church’s mission – monetising unused spaces ethically, with no upfront costs.’
- Gemini Parking Solutions are on stand E6 at CRE 25
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Protect as you bless – with Ecclesiastical
They’re owned by a charity and all available profits go to good causes – no wonder Ecclesiastical claim to be different from other insurers.
‘By taking out home insurance with us, our customers help us give even more profits to good causes,’ said managing director Richard Coleman. ‘We thank them for their support.’
The company has retained top spot in the Fairer Finance Home Insurance league table for a record twenty-first time beating 48 insurers including Bank of Scotland, TSB, Lloyds Bank and Nationwide. The company came first in most trusted, customer happiness and complaints performance – achieving an overall customer experience score of 78 per cent.
James Daley, managing director at Fairer Finance, said: ‘Ecclesiastical has topped our home insurance customer experience tables for the 21st time in a row. It’s an incredible achievement – and one that no company has managed in any other sector. While the Financial Conduct Authority’s consumer duty rules are driving improvements amongst other insurers, Ecclesiastical has still got a commanding lead over its nearest competitor. It also wins accolades for having the happiest customers and being the most trusted brand. Congratulations to Ecclesiastical for another really strong year.’
- Ecclesiastical are on stand M10 at CRE 25
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Your new church building – from vision to reality
Every great building design begins not with bricks or glass, but an initial idea – a vision of what might be, believes CPL Chartered Architects’ Phil Winch.
‘For a growing church this might be the thought of sunlight spilling across a spacious worship space, the soft echo of voices in the café, or the warm glow of a glazed entrance foyer in autumn, welcoming passers by,’ he told CRE News. ‘These are not yet structures, but visions – needs and ideas waiting to be realised.’
At CPL Architects the journey begins at the delicate intersection of vision, need and imagination.
‘We see architectural design as translation – turning the ideas and language of our client’s vision into the tangible poetry of space and fabric,’ said Phil.
Their first role is that of listener.
‘We wish to understand not only what a building must do, but also how it should feel,’ he explained. ‘Should it capture the numinous through light and space, or should it be warm and comforting? Should it inspire and excite, or should it be calming and restful? Perhaps it should be all of these, in different areas of the design.’
Through collaboration and refinement, CPL craft that vision into living space and form. Each sketch, 3D model and walkthrough are a rehearsal for the final performance. Walls become dividers of space and light, windows become frames for the world beyond.
‘Materials are chosen not only for their performance, but also for the stories they tell – the reassuring warmth of oak, stone that holds within it the memory of the earth,’ he explained. ‘Materials that will help to sustain and nurture our world. Leonardo da Vinci once said: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Distilling the vision until every element feels inevitable, as though it has always belonged. We believe that true elegance lies not in excess, but in clarity of purpose.’
For CPL, the art of architecture is to weave an intangible vision into a physical reality. To create spaces that elevate and inspire, that provide experience, memory and meaning.
And Phil Winch and team will be available at CRE 25 to help you harness your vision.
- CPL Architects are on stand R5 at CRE 25
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See a complete list of exhibitors at CRE 25
CRE 25 is Wed 15 and Thu 16 Oct
Book your ticket here for as little as £3