Do you have people in your church community needing help or advice regarding their health? are you able to provide the right guidance so they can receive the support needed?
When the NHS was established in 1948, it brought together many hospitals that had originally been founded or supported by organisations such as the Church of England. Today, while clinical care rightly remains with the NHS, there is growing recognition of the vital role churches continue to play, especially in supporting mental wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and strengthening communities.
In 2025, Light Project Peterborough (LPP) received funding from the NHS Integrated Neighbourhoods team to begin a Community Health Development Project. This is an ongoing initiative to Make Peterborough Better by strengthening the connection between local churches and health services. The vision is to see churches established as key partners within the NHS 10-year plan, particularly in its focus on prevention and delivering more care within the community.
As part of this work, LPP’s Community Health Development Co-Ordinator has been building meaningful local connections by linking healthcare professionals such as Social Prescribers with churches, collaborating with vaccination nurses to host clinics in church spaces, and strengthening relationships with Parish Nurses.
A key focus for the project is the development of an interactive presentation that brings together the range of NHS services in one place. It offers clear, practical guidance on what support is available, and how and when to access it, helping individuals navigate healthcare with greater confidence.
If you would like to know more about the presentation or to organise a demonstration in your church or community group, please contact Lindsey Dent lindsey.dent@lightprojectpeterborough.org.uk.
