Vicar reaches the heights for skydiving fundraiser
First published on: 29th June 2026A skydiving vicar has raised more than £2,500 for church and community funds after taking to the skies for the first time.
News
Holy Trinity welcomes more than 930 people during Jesmond Community Festival
First published on: 25th June 2026More than 930 people attended events hosted by Holy Trinity Jesmond during this year's Jesmond Community Festival, as the church opened its doors to the wider community through a month-long programme of activities.
Bishop Helen-Ann marks Refugee Week at Seven Bridges Café
First published on: 19th June 2026Bishop Helen-Ann joined the regular Friday communal lunch at The Seven Bridges Café this afternoon as local organisations, volunteers and community members came together to mark the end of Refugee Week and explore how greater collaboration can benefit communities across Newcastle, particularly refugees and people seeking asylum.
Local church opens doors to NHS blood donors
First published on: 16th June 2026A local church is celebrating the success of a recent blood donation session that not only helped support the NHS but also highlighted the important role church buildings can play at the heart of their communities.
First Pride in Place neighbourhood board chairs announced
First published on: 10th June 2026Two prominent local figures, Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley and Paul Hanson, have been appointed as the independent chairs of the neighbourhood boards that will oversee how £40 million of community funding is spent in Newcastle.
+Helen-Ann responds to King’s Speech during debate on Economy, Trade & the EU
First published on: 14th May 2026Following the King’s Speech which marked a new parliamentary year, on Thursday 14 May, Bishop Helen-Ann took part in a debate in the House of Lords on 'Economic Growth, Trade and EU Partnership'.
A celebration of Indian and Tamil hospitality at Kenton church
First published on: 28th April 2026Three families from the congregation of the Church of the Ascension, Kenton, hosted a memorable cultural evening on Saturday 25 April, inviting guests to explore Indian and Tamil traditions through Virunthombal - the art of hospitality.
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during End of Life Bill final debate
First published on: 24th April 2026“Where questions of life, death, care and conscience are so closely intertwined, the quality of our scrutiny is not a procedural detail - it is a moral necessity.” Earlier today, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the final day of the Committee Stage for the End of Life Bill in the House of Lords, warning that it would be irresponsible to allow it to move forward until questions raised have been answered more fully and insisting that end of life care must be marked by compassion, clarity and a steadfast commitment to protect the vulnerable.
Running – a Lenten challenge to boost fitness and support good causes
First published on: 14th April 2026The Revd Stephanie Keates, Priest in Charge at St Aidan Billy Mill and St Hilda Marden with Preston Grange, will take on the Great North 10k in Newcastle, in July.
Bringing friendship and hope through church-run centre in Cramlington
First published on: 13th April 2026Church volunteers in Cramlington are playing their part in supporting those in need in their local community.
Sycamore Gap sapling planted at Byker church following £4.2m transformation
First published on: 17th March 2026A sapling from the world famous Sycamore Gap tree has been planted in the grounds of a church in Byker.
Bishop of Newcastle welcomes kinship carer payment plan
First published on: 3rd March 2026The Bishop of Newcastle has welcomed a new government scheme for kinship carers in the North East.
Bishop Helen-Ann’s Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod
First published on: 2nd March 2026Members of Synod, I begin these remarks by formally offering a sincere welcome to Alan Smith, the First Church Estates Commissioner, who is spending the weekend with us. Alan, you are very welcome here, to the Church of England’s most northerly diocese, and we hope this visit will be the first of many.
Bishop’s appeal raises vital funds for the People’s Kitchen
First published on: 27th February 2026The Bishop’s Christmas Appeal was launched back in November in aid of The People’s Kitchen, the Newcastle-based charity that supports people who may be homeless, unemployed, lonely or living in poverty.
Bishop calls for sustainable vision for hospitality, retail & regional economy
First published on: 23rd January 2026On 22 January, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the House of Lords debate on the impact of government policy on hospitality and retail sectors.
Carols and fundraising in the community
First published on: 18th December 2025Church of the Good Shepherd, Battle Hill, has supported its community in Wallsend this Christmas with carol singing and fundraising.
‘Tree of Hope’ sapling planted at Henshaw CofE Primary
First published on: 10th December 2025A church school located less than three miles from Sycamore Gap has received a sapling from the world famous tree.
Bishop's Christmas Appeal 2025
First published on: 12th November 2025Bishop Helen-Ann is delighted to launch her Christmas Appeal for 2025 – in aid of The People’s Kitchen. Based in Newcastle, the charity supports vulnerable people who may be homeless, unemployed, lonely or living in poverty.
Bishop Helen-Ann takes part in Select Committee for End of Life Bill
First published on: 30th October 2025Bishop Helen-Ann is currently taking part in the 13-member House of Lords Select Committee, taking evidence on the safeguarding and procedures in the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Watch clips of the discussions here.
Bishop of Newcastle appointed to Select Committee for Terminally Ill Adults Bill
First published on: 15th October 2025Bishop Helen-Ann has been appointed to the House of Lords select committee examining Private Member's Bill on 'assisted dying'.
Celebrating New Ministries in South East Northumberland
First published on: 30th September 2025On Saturday 27 September, the local community gathered together at Duke’s Secondary School to welcome and celebrate two new ministries within the Diocese - the Revd Allison Harding as Pioneer Minister, and Jon Wright as Youth and Children’s Enabler with Beyond Youth.
King's Scottish Garden Party honour for Alan and Susan
First published on: 25th September 2025A former vicar of Berwick had the honour of attending The King's Annual Scottish Garden party this year.
Two New LGBTQI+ Volunteer Chaplains Commissioned
First published on: 22nd September 2025Yesterday, two new LGBTQI+ Volunteer Chaplains were commissioned during a special Choral Evensong service at Newcastle Cathedral.
Armed Forces Covenant Service marks Battle of Britain’s 85th Anniversary
First published on: 15th September 2025On Sunday 14 September, Newcastle Cathedral hosted a service to mark the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming the Diocese of Newcastle’s commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during the second reading of the End of Life Bill
First published on: 12th September 2025On 12 September 2025, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the Second Reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Read the full speech (below) or watch (above).
Hexham Abbey to host earth installation and associated events
First published on: 11th September 2025Hexham Abbey has announced a six-week programme of events to accompany a renowned exhibition which will take place there this autumn.
A nourishing project to get the community cooking
First published on: 18th August 2025A tasty initiative at Holy Saviour Sugley is using food as a way of reaching out to people and supporting them – just as Jesus loved to do.
New facilities help church to serve its community
First published on: 15th August 2025An ongoing project to upgrade facilities at a mid-century church is improving its ability to support the wider community.
Exciting plans for new community hub at St George’s Jesmond
First published on: 12th August 2025A historic church is embarking on an ambitious project, which will ensure it serves the community for generations to come.
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during second reading of Universal Credit Bill
First published on: 23rd July 2025Bishop Helen-Ann spoke during the second reading of the Universal Credit Bill on 22 July 2025.
