Community Development
The Diocese has 3 part-time members of staff to work with parishes in Community Development.
These officers work together as a team alongside clergy, laity and members of local communities to assist parishes with ongoing projects and the development of new ones. They help parishes with:
- identifying and articulating the needs of their areas and developing vision
- practical support and advice on the development of community work throughout the diocese (urban & rural)
- seeking funding for community work
- assisting with business plans, project planning, monitoring and evaluation
- accessing other available expertise
Bradford is the fourth most deprived diocese in the country and also has the greatest number of parishes in the top 10% experiencing multiple deprivation. In many parts of the diocese, including some rural areas and some inner-city estates, the church is a principal provider of community facilities.
The Diocese is supporting projects in these sectors:
| Asylum Seekers & Refugees | Children & Parents | Community Centres |
| Community Cohesion & Interfaith | Drug Addiction & Alcoholism | Disaffected Young People |
| Disadvantaged Communities | Education & Training | Environment |
| Furniture Projects | Homeless People | Older People |
| Rural | Sick & Disabled People | Volunteering Opportunities |
| Young People |
Community Development Officer
The Revd Lindsay Gray is the Community Development Officer. She assists parishes to develop vision, and gives practical support and advice on the development of community work throughout the diocese (urban & rural).
Church Urban Fund Officer
Cherry Connolly is the Church Urban Fund Officer. She advises parishes throughout the diocese about Seeking funding from the Church Urban Fund.
Community Development Finance Officer
Caroline Watson is the Community Development Finance Officer. She advises on the funding of community work, assists with business plans and helps parishes to access other available expertise.
If you need help or if you just want to talk through some ideas, please contact:
