YORK Minster is set to throw its support behind three charities - local, national and international - for the next two years.

The cathedral’s congregation has decided to back and promote York Neighbours, Home-Start UK and Embrace the Middle East.

Canon Pastor Michael Smith said it would support the charities between 2017 and 2019 with special services to give thanks for their work and fund raising, and also special events to increase understanding and awareness of their activities.

“We will also look at how people can get involved in other ways such as through volunteering for the charities,” he said.

The congregation raised about £24,000 to split between three previous partner charities during 2015 and 2016.

Wendy Smart, founder and chair of York Neighbours - which supports people over 65 by helping with practical one-off jobs, arranging weekly or fortnightly telephone calls to those to those without family or friends close-by, and organising occasional outings - said she was ‘excited’ by news of the Minster’s backing.

She said: “God gave the original vision for York Neighbours and, as a church-based initiative, the Minster’s support is such an encouragement to us as we work to reduce the social isolation experienced by many older people in York and to help them maintain their independence for as long as possible.

York Press:

“We hope that being the Minster’s chosen local charity will result in many more people either volunteering or benefitting from our service.”

Home-Start UK volunteers help families with young children deal with challenges, supporting parents as they learn to cope, improve their confidence and build better lives for their children.

Embrace the Middle East helps free people of all faiths and none from poverty and injustice, by partnering and supporting Christians in the region.