Our Cumbria case studies show how much is already happening in the County.  However looking further afield reveals other opportunities.  Other case studies are also available on the ChurchCare website.

Shops in church
St John’s, Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire run a village shop in their church, staffed by volunteers. Support is available from the Village Retail Services Association.

Bringing cinema to local communities
Have you thought of setting up a film society and showing films in your church? The British Federation of Film Societies Cinema for All is the national agency for the development and support of the film society and community cinema movement in the UK. They offer a wide range of services and resources dedicated to the needs of community cinemas.
They have recently published The Community Cinema Sourcebook which provides inspiration, support and guidance for anyone running or starting up a volunteer-led Community Cinema.

Commercial Partnerships
Where there is development in close proximity to a church, there may be the possibility to link up with commercial partners and raise the profile of the church, as has been done in Leeds and Birmingham. See case study.

Credit Unions in churches in Cumbria
A new initiative to increase the number and accessibility of credit unions is underway in Cumbria.  There are many ways your church could help, one of which is to host the credit union in one of your buildings.  Click here for more information and who to contact to get involved.

Citizens Advice Bureau in churches
In various parts of the country, the Citizens Advice Bureau is operating out of churches.  Churches, thanks to their position within and connection to a community, can make excellent bases from which to provide vital information.  If you are interested in hosting a bureau in your church, 'Faithful Advice: A guide for advice services in places of worship' provides practical examples, guidelines and contacts.