How to care for our churches
The Churches Trust for Cumbria aims to support church buildings and their communities, we are being supported by lottery players through the National Heritage Lottery Fund for an exciting heritage project. Caring for Cumbria's Churches focuses on improving the sustainability and resilience of church buildings across Cumbria. It also aims to realise the potential of church buildings as community assets and raise their profile as places of valuable heritage interest.
This ecumenical project aims to provide those who care for church buildings with a series of "tools" to help manage these unique buildings.
Maintenance Checklist
Places of worship require regular care and maintenance. Good preventative maintenance and timely repairs can help to sustain these valuable heritage assets. The maintenance checklist offers an editable template to help manage maintenance and repairs.
Download Checklist
Videos - Coming soon
The series of videos aims to help us to better understand these unique 'living' buildings, explore their potential as places of worship, heritage and community assets in order that they remain for future generations.
Sustainability Rosette
An outcome of the 2015 Building Survey, the Sustainability Rosette and handbook can be used to review the viability of church buildings. For a church to be sustainable, it should be reasonably healthy in all of the petals.
By clicking each button below, you will be able to identify and prioritise areas of need and create an action plan to help you realise your vision.
In order for churches to be sustainable they need sufficient resources; in terms of people (time and skills) and finances (funds) and how they may change over time.
People
People are vital for the mission, management and maintenance of our churches. The right capability (skills) and capacity (time) are required to carry out routine maintenance, raise funds and engage others.
Finances
Future viability depends on finances. A good understanding of income and expenditure is essential for running your building, including budgeting for future repairs, and how to raise funds for future projects.
Many churches are historic buildings, we have a duty of care to pass them on in good order for future generations. This requires the care and conservation of church buildings and their environment.
Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help to prevent problems from becoming bigger and more expensive - the stitch in time principle.
Energy Efficiency
As part of its holistic mission the Church is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. It makes environmental and financial sense to become more energy efficient.
An open and welcoming building strengthens the role of the church in the community, encourages visitors, tourists and gives an opportunity for mission.
Community
Church buildings are there to serve all, the better they do this, the better they will be supported and maintained.
Welcome and visitors
People visit churches for a variety of reasons; by being open and welcoming you can share your story whatever their reason to cross the threshold.
Security
Keeping church buildings secure and people safe is a balance between accessibility and security.
Understanding congregational needs and those of the local and wider community can help to maximise the potential of church buildings and encourage a sustainable future.
Facilities and Range of Uses
Having a warm, welcoming environment with facilities can help to unlock the potential of church buildings and attract additional uses.
Risk Management
To ensure that church buildings and those who use them are safe. We need to identify, evaluate and take steps to minimise any potential risks.
A common factor underpinning vibrant church communities and well used buildings is working together with a common vision. Having a clear vision is essential for a sustainable and viable church.
Vibrant Growing Congregations
As an ecumenical county with a strategy for growth, joining together with friends and partners building relationships and pooling resources can help growth.
Strong Leadership and Team
To become an effective and efficient team requires a common purpose, good leadership and team communication.
Action Plan
An action plan helps to clarify what is needed to become a viable church building, with a sustainable future.
