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ByDave Hall

Mental health: time our churches faced up to the challenge

Cheryl was about to get married and to everyone else her life looked good – but the 24-year-old medical student was hiding a deep depression.

The wedding came and went and things only got worse. Overwhelmed by dark thoughts, some days she even struggled to get out of bed.

‘My church had been incredibly supportive in helping to organise the wedding with many friends stepping in to help with flowers, food and decorations,’ recalls Dr Cheryl Hawkins (pictured above). ‘But no one realised how I was struggling.’

Eventually she got better and graduated as a doctor, quickly specialising in mental health. As a psychiatrist she saw Christians and non-Christians alike who struggled with the condition.

‘I also saw people in my church with similar issues and noticed they weren’t always well supported,’ she explains. ‘The church was great when someone had broken their leg, had a baby or were diagnosed with cancer, but when it came to mental health issues people didn’t seem to know the best way to help. They feared saying something wrong, or just failed to see that the person was struggling.

‘Like myself all those years ago, many people with mental health issues hide what they are going through, worrying about what people might think of them if they find out, so the issues are not even seen.’

Four years ago, Cheryl started delivering Mental Health First Aid training to businesses and schools. She has now produced a unique range of biblically-based courses to address the increasing number of mental health needs in churches. In 2022 she launched Encourage Mental Health CIC and this will be the focus of her stand at CRE Midlands 23.

She will also talk on ‘Bridging the gap: how to support mental health in your church’ (Thu 9 Nov, 3.30pm).

• Encourage Mental Health are on stand DS32 at CRE Midlands 23

Photograph: Dr Cheryl Hawkins

Book your ticket for CRE Midlands 2023 here from as little as £3

Organisations looking to book a stand should contact James Batterbee 0161 250 2306 (E: james@creonline.co.uk) or Carol Malpass 0161 250 2467 (E: carol@creonline.co.uk)

Click to view the latest floorplan and price list for available stands

ByDave Hall

Denial and delay on racism in churches ‘must not go unchallenged’

The Archbishops’ Commission for Racial Justice has published the first of six reports on how to implement cultural and structural change within the Church of England – and its chair, Lord Paul Boateng, will be at CRE National 2022 to discuss the project to date.

In a foreword, Lord Boateng said it was a painful process as the examination of racism was often met with denial and delay, which ‘must not go unchallenged’. The commission is asking for a minimum of £20 million to be set aside to deliver the 47 recommendations of the earlier taskforce report From Lament to Action, adding that it was disappointing ‘how little thought has seemingly gone into utilising existing funding streams’.

It is also advocating fundamental change to the process for removing statues and memorials associated with the slave trade. It says the guidance is inadequate and incomplete and does not give sufficient consideration to the communities impacted, or the authorities in charge of the buildings. The consistory court process is too expensive and the chancellors/judges should be drawn from a more ethnically-diverse pool and receive diversity training.  The commission expects each diocese to develop a racial justice strategy by the end of the financial year.

Welcoming the report, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt Rev Justin Welby said: ‘It identifies the difficult and long path to eradicating the pain and injustice felt by so many but provides us with hope that, through the commission’s work, these issues will be addressed.’

Roy Francis, who will join Lord Boateng at CRE National to consider the commission and the Windrush legacy, said: ‘This initial report is timely and lays before us some of the issues the church and society must seriously confront. It offers some immediate, practical and workable solutions and I look forward to hearing Lord Boateng when he speaks on the commission’s findings at CRE in October.’

Book your tickets to CRE National 2022 for as little as £3 (£8 on the door)

Our next exhibitions

ByDave Hall

Stones Hotel: where churches spend the night (and day) together

A trio of hotels are ideal for local churches wanting to take parties away for spiritual renewal or specialist meetings.

So says Preet Kalsi, cluster sales manager based at The Stones Hotel in Salisbury.

‘The Stones Hotel and The Holiday Inn in Wiltshire, along with The Delta Hotel, Milton Keynes, are excellent venues for a weekend of workshops or quiet spiritual reflection,’ she told CRE News. ‘Nestled in the glorious Wiltshire countryside, The Stones Hotel is surrounded by open landscapes and minutes from Stonehenge.’

The hotel provides a setting which encourages rest and togetherness for church groups looking to deepen their fellowship. With spacious, comfortable bedrooms, dedicated meeting spaces for up to 400 people and wholesome catering options, it is perfectly suited for residential retreats, prayer weekends, or leadership training. Convenient access to Salisbury Cathedral and local walking trails make it a popular choice for faith-based gatherings seeking inspiration and rest.

The Holiday Inn is located just off the A303 andoffers a welcoming base for church groups looking to gather, reflect and reconnect. Set just minutes from Stonehenge, the hotel combines modern comfort ‘with a calm and inspiring atmosphere.’

The Delta Hotel, situated at the edge of the bustling Milton Keynes, is ‘the ideal choice for churches wanting all the amenities and services needed to relax guests,’ said Preet. ‘With 138 bedrooms you can count on us to provide the comfort you need in rooms offering free WIFI, mineral water and a 49-inch TV. It can cater for up to 300 guests in event space with bespoke menus available. A fitness suite is available 24 hours a day.”

Representative will be at CRE 25 with information about all three centres and their special provision for church groups or individuals.

• The Stones Hotel and The Holiday Inn in Wiltshire, along with The Delta Hotel, Milton Keynes, are on stand D6 at CRE 25

CRE 2025

Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk

ByDave Hall

Two football fans offer some stadium-sized deals

Christian bookshops are still able to offer great bargains.

That will be the message to CRE 25 visitors from the self-styled ‘Blues Brothers’ Barry Mockford and Dave Lock. Representing Canaan Christian Ministries from Staines and Oasis Christian Bookshop in Wallington, messrs Mockford and Lock will join forces again to demonstrate that independent Christian bookshops are still alive and kicking – often when churches are closed.

‘We want the public to know that, despite declining numbers, there are many hard-working people keeping alive a Christian presence on the high street,’ Barry told CRE News. ‘They often offer much more than a bookshop alone.’

Called the Blues Brothers because of their love for club world cup winners Chelsea FC, they will offer CRE  25 visitors ‘some stadium-sized bargains’.

‘We have a large selection of different books that will be at the special exhibition price of only £1,’ added Barry. ‘In addition, we will have many gifts from Just Cards and Teal Press, for example – plus exclusive baby blessing and throw blankets that will not only be at special exhibition prices but not available anywhere else – even online!’

CRE 25 visitors will also receive a 10 per cent discount voucher for use in both of their shops – and a free book!

• Canaan and Oasis Bookshops are on stand N6 at CRE 25

CRE 2025

Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk

ByDave Hall

Why churches are on the way out

Since Covid, churches are looking for more outdoor space when booking a conference or retreat.

So says Lisa Fellows-Flynn of Whittlebury Park in rural Northamptonshire.

‘We’re lucky, we have 700 acres, so we’ve a lot to offer,’ she explains. ‘We invite you to come and see for yourself on a golf buggy tour!’

In addition, the conference centre is offering a discount of more than 60 per cent to CRE visitors (based on double/twin occupancy). The deal includes:

• 48-hour rate for £185 + VAT per person (usually £475 + VAT)
• Two-day meeting room hire, unlimited tea and coffee, one-course lunch and two-course dinner daily, two nights bed and breakfast and access to leisure club facilities
• Two hours in their heat and ice spa experience  

At Whittlebury Park you will find purpose-built and professional event facilities which include 19 training and meeting rooms, 15 fully-serviced syndicate rooms, three private dining rooms, six conference and banqueting suites that can cater for up to 500 delegates as well as unrivalled leisure and team building activities. And 254 bedrooms!

‘Our dedicated corporate team is passionate about making your event a success by providing ideas and solutions that will provide real benefit to your church,’ said Lisa. ‘Your personal coordinator, backed by our extensively skilled team, will work with you to get just the right balance of help, guidance and support, adding value at every opportunity and ensuring the outstanding service you receive matches your requirements.’

• Whittlebury Park are on stand H3 at CRE 25

CRE 2025

Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk

ByDave Hall

The ‘Quiet Revival’: so how should local churches respond?

If hostility and apathy to Christianity are truly being replaced by openness, especially among the young, what we should be doing about it?

This will be a major point for discussion and subsequent action at CRE 25, in light of the Bible Society’s recent report,The Quiet Revival whichsuggests that Generation Z show ‘above-average levels of warmth to spirituality’.

One of the report’s researchers, Dr Rob Barward-Symmons (above) will speak to the findings and take questions from visitors.

The Quiet Revival compares two nationally representative polls of attitudes and behaviours around the Bible, the church and Christianity among adults in England and Wales, commissioned by the Bible Society and carried out by YouGov.

First undertaken in 2018 with 19,000 adults, the survey was repeated in 2024 with 13,000 – in both cases providing high confidence levels. In 2018, four per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds reported that they attended church monthly, compared with 16 per cent in 2024. For men in this age range, this increased from four per cent to 21 per cent, and, for women, from three per cent to 12 per cent.

As well as a shift in cultural attitudes towards church and Christianity, the report suggests ‘a deep search for meaning, order and belonging’ among younger generations.

‘With the normalisation of Christianity in culture, and the confidence and comfort of Christian friends to share their own faith experience, a large number of young adults now appear to be looking towards the church as a space for finding healing and community as well as a deeper sense of meaning in their life,’ suggests the report.

The Quiet Revival concludes with four recommendations: firstly that ‘policy-makers and opinion-formers’ recognise churchgoing Christians in society and that churches work on increasing Bible discipleship, engage in intergenerational conversations within congregations and more widely and ‘recognise the importance and impact of authentic personal relationships.’

In his foreword, the Bible Society’s chief executive, Paul Williams, writes: ‘Our “Quiet Revival” is low key, but it is widespread. It doesn’t draw attention to a particular leadership style, or way of doing church, or political influence. Instead, the story told in this report is revolutionary in terms of the public assumptions about Christianity in England and Wales, and transformational in terms of how Christians think about themselves.’

‘When a report like this comes along it is important not to overstate or understate its significance,’ said CRE owner Steve Goddard. ‘The exhibition provides an important platform for critical and rigorous discussion on an important piece of research. We encourage leaders at every level of local church operations to join us in October.’

• The Bible Society will be on stand E9 at CRE 25

CRE 2025

Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk

ByDave Hall

Let there be light: from Sadler’s Wells to All Saints, Stock

Safeguarding an ancient building and increasing its ability to help the local population – that was the task facing the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of All Saints in Stock, Essex.

After major repairs to roofs over the nave and chancel, the council called in the services of CRE 25 exhibitor Clarity in Sound, Light and Vision – to update the lighting system.

‘The challenge was to give the church an up-to-date LED system which is cheaper to run with up to 90 per cent energy reduction and easy-touch controls to ensure anyone could operate the system,’ said Clarity’s Yvette Faris. ‘The new system does not just offer a variety of options for use during main services but also for a meeting area and an enhanced “stage” set-up for the village school to use.’

All the house lighting was replaced with LED alternatives with excellent colour rendering index to provide the ‘wow’ factor. Two spots over the seasonal display area were installed and two ceiling downlighters under the organ loft. A 3K spot by the pulpit also helps to illuminate text for the reader.

The PCC’s Martin King was delighted with the results. ‘Our new system works effectively, flexibly and with simple controls – just as they promised! I also want to say how impressed we were with all the very pleasant and skilful staff. They were efficient and checked every detail as we progressed.’

Yvette explained: ‘The system Clarity installed was designed and developed in the UK by GDS whose lighting range is in use in numerous theatres in London including Sadlers’ Wells, high-end heritage buildings such as the Natural History Museum and various churches, including the Tower of London chapel.’

Next on the PCC’s agenda – upgrading the church’s heating and tackling holes left in the spire by woodpeckers!

• Clarity SLV will be on stand N7 at CRE 25

CRE 2025

Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk

ByDave Hall

Kids and vaping: a new challenge faced by Hope UK

A huge number of children and young people are taking up vaping – not because they want to quit smoking but because they see it as cool and trendy.

So says Mary Deller, of drug education charity Hope UK, in the first of a special series of podcasts featuring CRE exhibitors. The organisation works with Year Six children, to help them in the transition to secondary school.

‘We are facing a whole host of issues that weren’t there in my youth,’ explains Mary. ‘At every school we are asked to talk to their young people about vaping. If you ask children who were vapes invented for, they’ll say teenagers or adults. But when you explain that vaping was invented for smokers who want to quit smoking, the penny drops.’

The Christian faith is fundamental to what Hope UK do.

‘It’s part of the legacy and the history of who we are as an organisation and what motivates us as individuals, both staff and volunteers, because we are all practising Christians,’ explains Mary. ‘We often quote John 10:10, where Jesus talks about giving us life in all its fullness, whereas the thief comes to kill and destroy. We make that analogy with drugs.’

The organisation is currently looking to recruit volunteers from churches.

‘It is a big commitment, but you get very good training, accredited by the Open College Network,’ says Mary, ‘so if you have a passion for this work and feel called, then I’d definitely encourage you to get in touch with us.’

See the whole podcast with Mary Deller of Hope UK.

ByDave Hall

All-action start for fundraisers in the new year

Churches looking to raise funds for innovative local projects are invited to attend a special event in London.

The Faith and Fundraising Conference (26 Mar 2025, Royal Geographical Society, London) will feature a range of expert speakers offering on-hand help and ideas. There’ll be plenty of time for in-person networking, too.

CRE exhibitors Action Planning have joined forces with Stewardship and Yeomans Marketing and Fundraising, to run the conference.

‘You will leave with new insights from generous funders, stories of success, practical tips from sector experts, contacts and inspiration to fuel you for the year ahead,’ say the organisers. ‘Those who attend will also receive a limited-edition publication with exclusive research findings, case studies, stories and stats to extend the benefit to their team and ministry.’

Speakers already announced include the CEO of World Vision, Fola Komolafe; Steve Campbell from C3; Tarn Bright, co-CEO of Home for Good/Safer Families; Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, director of giving at the Church of England; Robin Peake, chair of Fundraising in Christian Organisations and Wendy Pawsey, head of giving for the Evangelical Alliance. Trusts and foundations represented include the Joseph Rank Trust, Benefact, Jerusalem Trust and the Stewardship Philanthropy Fund.

A full list of speakers will be announced over the coming weeks with early bird tickets already available.

• Action Planning will be on stand G3 at CRE 25