One of the UK’s largest grant-making charities has announced the success of its Hope Beyond programme, which has supported more than 700 churches and Christian charities to deal with challenges rising from the pandemic.

Allchurches Trust has given over £5 million in grants through the programme, created shortly after the Covid-19 outbreak to help communities build resilience and create brighter futures post lockdown. 

Research identified three core areas to focus on for funding - isolation and loneliness, improving mental health and building digital resilience.

Record numbers of applications were received from organisations stepping up to support their communities through the toughest times following the Covid-19 outbreak.

The charity's funds come from its ownership of the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, a specialist insurance and financial services company.

Since 1972, Allchurches Trust has awarded more than £180 million in grants.

Parents and Children Together in Reading was one of the charities to benefit receiving £5,000 to adapt a ground-breaking domestic abuse rehabilitation service to meet higher levels of need following the pandemic. 

Grants are awarded to churches of many denominations, so long as they are members of Churches Together in England (CTE), Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), Churches Together in Wales (Cytun), the Irish Council of Churches or a local ‘churches together’ group, according to the charity's website.

The Hope Beyond programme has now closed in order for trustees to reflect on learnings and consider the next phase of Allchurches' Coronavirus response.