On May 11th the results of some extensive research commissioned to discover the nature and extent of faith group activity in Derbyshire communities will be revealed.

The research was funded by ChangeUp (a Government initiative to help strengthen infrastructure support to the voluntary sector) and commissioned, administered and partly funded by the Diocese of Derby’s Council for Social Responsibility. It aims to highlight the vast contribution made by churches of all denominations and of other faith groups in the county.

It is hoped the findings, detailed in a report called ‘Faith in Derbyshire’, will increase the understanding of faith groups and other sectors to promote possibilities of collaborative and partnership working for the benefit of Derbyshire communities.

Around 600 questionnaires were posted to churches and other faith groups across the county with nearly half responding, making the sample size highly representative. Of the churches which returned the questionnaire, it is estimated they contribute more than the equivalent to £1.4 million pounds per year in church run and individual community activities.

Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility Community Action Officer Joy Bates said: “Faith communities have traditionally been reticent to talk about their contribution to the wellbeing of their communities, but the commitment and resources given to Derbyshire people through churches and faith groups is enormous, which this report clearly shows.”

She added: “The range of contributions is also extremely varied, from providing a church building for community use to individuals offering care for older or disabled people. We hope this will show public and other organisations that faith communities have a great deal to offer and could be a potential partner in a whole range of wider community projects.”

The Rt Rev’d David Hawtin, Bishop of Repton, speaking about the report, said: “I am delighted to be among those acknowledging the significance of this report. In its calm and methodical way, this report simply shows the significant work quietly going on through the buildings and individuals making up our faith communities.

“Such service to the community is offered out of personal commitment. At the same time, it also deserves acknowledgment and support from those in a position to allocate resources, because grants to faith communities are a reliable and cost effective way of delivering practical help to those who need it. Partnership gets results. This report shows what people of faith are offering. With more partners, more can be offered.”

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