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.
News
A proud history – school’s 300th anniversary celebrated at special service
First published on: 21st July 2025Children at Holy Trinity CofE School in Berwick have been learning about the rich history of their school, which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.
Bishop joins roundtable discussion on the North East's social economy
First published on: 16th July 2025Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University recently welcomed Bishop Helen-Ann to an event focusing on driving inclusive growth in the North East social economy.
Newcastle church becomes 100th nationally to win gold eco award
First published on: 2nd July 2025St Francis' Church, High Heaton, has become the 100th gold awarded Eco Church in England and Wales.
Generous Lent donations raise vital funds for children’s charity
First published on: 20th June 2025Bellingham Deanery Lent Collection raises £3,582 for Children North-East, a charity which helps transform the lives of babies, young people and families across our region.
Bishops respond to the Government Spending Review 2025
First published on: 11th June 2025The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, and Bishop of Manchester, David Walker respond to the Chancellor's statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review.
Bishop Helen-Ann responds to proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill
First published on: 14th May 2025On 13 May 2025, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke on proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill during the Committee Stage in the House of Lords. Read her full speech below.
Lent challenge supports good causes at home and abroad
First published on: 2nd May 2025Generous churchgoers from Holy Cross Fenham gave up unwanted items from their houses during Lent – which will now be donated to charitable causes.
New director to lead enhanced safeguarding team at Newcastle Diocese
First published on: 25th April 2025New director to lead enhanced safeguarding team at Newcastle Diocese
Outgoing trustee privileged to serve charity which makes a real difference
First published on: 24th April 2025A retired priest has spoken of her “hugely rewarding” role with a charity which funds vital work in support of vulnerable people.
Congratulations to the Maundy Money recipients from Newcastle Diocese
First published on: 16th April 2025Congratulations to the recipients from the Newcastle Diocese who have been chosen to receive this year’s Maundy Money! His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen will attend the service on 17 April, at Durham Cathedral, where they will present Maundy Money to 152 recipients—76 men and 76 women—honouring their exceptional Christian service and reflecting the King’s age. Read more about some of the inspiring individuals receiving this special Maundy gift.
Local schools experience interactive ‘Holy Week in a Morning’
First published on: 10th April 2025During Lent, local school children took part in an engaging morning of hands-on activities to learn more about the events of Holy Week.
Bishop Helen-Ann speaks during second reading of the Employment Rights Bill
First published on: 27th March 2025On Thursday 23 March 2025, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke in the House of Lords during the second reading of the Employment Rights Bill.
School pupils call on adults to ‘stop chucking things away’
First published on: 26th March 2025Pupils at a church school in North Shields are urging grown ups to repair or reuse things instead of throwing them away – or if they can’t to recycle where possible.
Pilgrim Voice Shouts Loud
First published on: 10th March 2025Based in the Northumberland village of Lowick, Pilgrim Voice is a new group which will soon offer its first production to local audiences.
Bishop Helen-Ann calls for the protection of rural banking services
First published on: 13th February 2025Bishop Helen-Ann today led a debate in the House of Lords on the impact of the withdrawal of rural banking services.
Light trail will inspire the night sky at Whitley Bay
First published on: 6th February 2025An art installation is expected to attract visitors from near and far to a Whitley Bay church later this month
Sunday evenings are bringing new people into Whitley Bay church
First published on: 4th February 2025St. Paul's Whitley Bay is reaching out to new audiences after finding success with Sunday evening services.
The first flush as Netty Project becomes a reality for St Alban’s
First published on: 31st January 2025A rural church near Whitley Bay has hosted a special celebration to mark the completion of a five-year project to provide new facilities.
Singing group is a safe space for all to feel good
First published on: 30th January 2025A singing group based in Newburn Parish that focuses on wellbeing has gone from strength to strength over the past year and is building new relationships between a church and its community.
A whole community ’In Harmony’ for successful concert
First published on: 17th December 2024A concert which enabled young people to express their musical talents has been hailed a resounding success.
A Community Shines Bright: Stars Light Up Advent
First published on: 16th December 2024The parish church of All Saints Gosforth is dazzling the community with a unique and heartwarming display of recycled art this Advent.
Bishop Helen-Ann supports farming communities with House of Lords speech
First published on: 12th December 2024On Thursday 12 December, Bishop Helen-Ann spoke in the debate which looks at the impact of recent government proposals on the future of small farms and family businesses.
Blanchland Abbey comes alive!
First published on: 9th December 2024Over 700 people flocked into Blanchland Abbey on Sunday 24ᵗʰ November to enjoy the second Abbey Alive!
Bishop Helen-Ann responds to Autumn Budget
First published on: 12th November 2024On Monday 11 November, Bishop Helen-Ann responded to the Government's Autumn Budget during a debate in the House of Lords, addressing the impact on child poverty, farming and connectivity. Full speech included.
Church gets biggest upgrade in almost a century
First published on: 8th November 2024St. James' and St Basil's Church, which is a community hub as well as a place of worship, has undergone its biggest upgrade of facilities since it opened 93 years ago.
Bishop Helen-Ann praises the community and voluntary sector in House of Lords
First published on: 1st November 2024On 31 October 2024, Bishop Helen-Ann took part in the debate on 'The contribution of the community and voluntary sector to society across the United Kingdom'. You can read her full speech below.
Street Pastors Newcastle: Showing God's love through our actions
First published on: 31st October 2024Street Pastors Newcastle plays a vital role in keeping people safe while they enjoy a night out in the bustling city centre on Friday and Saturday nights. A dedicated team of trained volunteers from local churches is on the lookout for new members.
Building work reveals a glimpse into Byker’s exciting future
First published on: 22nd October 2024An exciting project to transform a church into a state-of-the-art youth and community hub is beginning to take shape.
Sycamore Gap: One Year On
First published on: 27th September 2024Today, Friday 27 September, Bishop Helen-Ann joined school children from across the region at The Sill to mark one year since the Sycamore Gap tree was illegally felled.
