Each volunteer has played a vital role in supporting Coventry Cathedral, securing its heritage and ensuring the building remains in good order to be passed on to future generations. Volunteers help visitors to enjoy their time at the cathedral, whether it be a warm welcome on a chilly morning or answering any questions on the history of the cathedral. They are essential to Coventry’s vision and mission.

 

A grant from the Trust will enable the cathedral to recruit more volunteering roles. One of the new roles is a Volunteer Speaker, who will be an ambassador for the cathedral, providing talks for older people in care homes, religious groups, and youth clubs. This will have an impact, not only on many diverse communities and young people, but also for older people who can’t visit the cathedral due to ill health and for whom the cathedral was an important part of their life. 

 

The funding has also helped to fund a Volunteer Coordinator who supports the volunteers and their roles with training, monitoring, and engagement. The Volunteer Coordinator inspires volunteers to grow within their role and helps them gain recognition for their exceptional work.

 

Mandy Spraggett, Head of Fundraising at Coventry Cathedral, said: “Thank you, Benefact Trust, for this amazing funding. Funding volunteering is so important, but unfortunately volunteering comes with a cost, and that’s why we are so grateful to Benefact Trust for funding our incredible volunteering at Coventry Cathedral. 

 

“It is not only Coventry Cathedral that gains from the awarded funding, but there are also many benefits of volunteering. Volunteers live longer and healthier lives, have a better social life and are less likely to feel isolated. Volunteering motivates local people to be part of something important, it gives them a sense of self-worth, helps them overcome loneliness and make new friends.”

 

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Benefact Trust in the life of Coventry Cathedral, to enable us to sustain and develop our mission. Our history as a ruined and rebuilt cathedral offers fantastic opportunities, especially to use our story to influence and shape the lives of our many and diverse visitors, who make the most of our building for creative and imaginative worship. 

 

“It also presents challenges for property maintenance, resourcing the worship, and to recruit and develop a strong team of volunteers who welcome and guide our visitors. Benefact Trust’s grant has supported the appointment of a new property manager and enabled us to create new posts both in liturgical administrative support and volunteer management, which are having a significant impact in our community engagement.”

 

Coventry Cathedral is a welcoming space that provides opportunities for prayer, reflection, creativity, and engagement for all. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can find out more about the opportunities here.