The Christian Medical Fellowship has told Premier that church outreach has a “big impact on the country’s health”, as the government launches the biggest ever public consultation of healthcare in England.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for a “neighbourhood health service”, as he proposes new health centres which combine services such as GPs, prescriptions, social care and mental health services under one roof.

NHS staff and the public are being invited to take part in a 'national conversation' to shape the Government’s 10-year plan for the service.

However, Steven Fouch, Communications Director of the Christian Medical Fellowship has told Premier that church communities already providing a basis for “neighbourhood care”.

“We're doing a lot of that community health work already in churches, whether we're setting up warm spaces for the winter, lunch clubs for the elderly or parent and toddler groups... Youth groups, parish nursing, food banks, these all have a big impact on health,” said Steven.

Research by the National Churches Trust has revealed that UK churches save the NHS £8.4 billion a year by providing vital health-related services.

From addiction recovery and mental health support to youth groups and food banks, churches address urgent community needs, easing pressure on the NHS.

Steven continued: “So many churches are involved right in the guts of that in their local community. If we can work with the NHS, and if the NHS can be prepared to learn how to work with us and social services as well, we have an awful lot we can contribute to the wellbeing of our country.”