In another great example of our Diocese working in partnership with key organisations in North West, Blackburn Cathedral has helped to coordinate an important upcoming conference 'Re-imagining Living Well'.

The event will present a joined-up vision of health care and health outcomes, away from the treatment of disease in hospitals and instead focusing on well-being throughout life. 

As the Diocese as a whole continues to support our local communities in many different ways in these difficult times, people from parishes across Lancashire are encouraged to attend. 

It takes place on March 9 from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Premier Suite, Ewood Park, BB2 4JF. 

Lunch and refreshments are provided and the previous deadline for booking has been extended so you can book anytime up to the event itself via Eventbrite here. You can also find out more via this pdf flyer for download.

The conference will explore how faith communities, public sector and community groups can work together and it will draw together voices who have significant expertise in this field. 

They include Lord Nigel Crisp, former Chief Executive of the NHS, who said in a recent book that '...the NHS can’t by itself deal with many of today’s major health problems such as loneliness, stress, obesity, poverty and addictions'. 

Delegates will hear from Lord Crisp about how faith communities can assist in dealing with these major health problems. Additionally, Bishop James Newcome, Bishop of Carlisle and co-chair of the Care and Support Reimagined report published in January 2023 will also be a speaker. 

That report aims to develop a radical and inspiring long-term vision for care and support in England, underpinned by a renewed set of values and principles; while drawing on Christian theology and ethics.

These two speakers will be joined by a range of other voices and experiences as delegates come together from a myriad of backgrounds. The day will conclude with a Q and A panel discussion between the speakers and delegates. 

Speaking today, the Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev Peter Howell-Jones said: "Across the Diocese our churches are supporting people in need in so many ways in these difficult times. 

"We feel, as the Cathedral for Lancashire, we should also play a key role in helping to draw together key representatives from the faith sector alongside public and community sectors to discuss practical solutions to the very real problems we face today.

"So, this event is a great example of how the Cathedral can make a difference ... particularly in this case as a catalyst for thought leaders to come together under a common goal. I am looking forward to what I'm sure will be an enlightening and informative day."