Across three venues in June, the Diocesan Support Services Roadshow brought together clergy and parish representatives to explore the support available to help local churches thrive. Hosted at St Peter’s, Bristol (3 June), St Andrew’s, Chippenham (10 June), and Christ Church, Swindon (17 June), the events created space for conversation, practical advice and new connections.
Attendees shared that they found it particularly helpful to meet staff face-to-face, gaining a clearer understanding of the range of services available and who to approach for support in their local context.
With teams from Church Buildings, Environment, Fundraising, Volunteering, Racial Justice and Inclusion present, attendees were able to drop in, ask questions and explore how the Diocese can walk alongside them. Presentations and case study testimonies helped bring the support on offer to life, showing how small, well-supported steps can lead to meaningful change. Hearing from others who had already started that journey made it feel both tangible and achievable.
“It was really encouraging to see the range of support available and to meet the people behind it, it makes it feel much easier to take the next step.”
PCC member, Swindon Deanery
The conversations reflected the wide range of challenges and opportunities facing churches today. Some people came with specific projects to discuss, while others wanted to learn more about how diocesan teams could help. Questions ranged from faculty permissions and statutory health and safety requirements to developing longer-term maintenance plans for church buildings. In one case, a follow-up visit has already been arranged to explore options for repairs to a church’s guttering.
For diocesan staff, the roadshows were also a valuable opportunity to meet the volunteers who give so much of their time and energy to serving their churches and communities. Building those relationships, hearing directly about local needs and identifying practical ways to help left teams with plenty of follow-up actions and a deeper understanding of how support can be tailored to parishes. The events also highlighted the strength of collaboration across diocesan teams.
We’re grateful to St Peter’s Church, Filton, St Andrew’s Church, Chippenham, and Christ Church, Swindon for hosting so generously, and to everyone who came along and contributed to such a positive and encouraging series of events.