New research from 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.

The savings are equivalent to employing 230,000 nurses or four per cent of total public health spending.

The report, The House of Good: Health, launched in the House of Commons, used NHS metrics to calculate the value of services provided by churches.

Eddie Tulasiewicz from the National Churches Trust told Premier Christian News that churches shouldn't be overlooked.

"It was only about a month ago that the report came out about the Grenfell fire and who was in the front line providing practical support there?

"It was churches...day in, day out, churches are there helping people, offering support and opening their buildings for others to provide support," he said.

However, many churches, especially in deprived areas, face closure due to underfunding, threatening this essential safety net.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust said in a statement: “Without urgent support, we risk losing this vital resource for both the NHS and vulnerable communities.”

The report included a variety of case studies. One such being that churches host many Alcoholics Anonymous groups.

St Martin’s Church in Roath, Cardiff, provides a safe space for weekly AA meetings.

One attendee shared how the welcoming, non-judgmental environment helped in their recovery.

The vicar, Fr Irving Hamer, explained how the church’s peaceful atmosphere aids participants in their journey toward healing.