Inclusive Mission

Ann completed Stepping Up in April 2023, she worships at Hull Minster where she is a member of the volunteer team, serving as a welcomer, duty manager and helping with events and activities. After completing Stepping Up Ann joined the chaplaincy team and began to develop the prayer spaces at Hull Minster, with a range of resources to help people connect with God through prayer. Ann has used various events and festivals to offer creative ways for people to connect with faith, with hundreds of people writing prayers, receiving prayer cards and gospels, lots of sowing seeds, which has led to some people exploring faith and joining Hull Minster. 

Ann is passionate about Hull Minster and other churches being a place of welcome for everyone, especially people who are neurodiverse and/or have different learning abilities. Ann has worked with the staff and volunteers to provide awareness training so that people receive the support they need to enjoy Hull Minster. Ear defenders are available for people who become overwhelmed by noise, there are sensory toys to enjoy and a sensory tent for people to use as a quiet safe space when community activities are taking place, these are especially popular during the weekly Welcome Cafe. The ear defenders helped one family to enjoy a fantastic time at a Messy Church holiday activity, which otherwise would have been overwhelming. 

Ann has years of experience working with people with different learning abilities and over the past year it has been wonderful to see Ann using her skills to develop inclusive mission at Hull Minster. Partnerships with Northcott School and Bishop Burton College have created volunteer and work experience placements for students in a safe and supportive environment.  

“The work that Ann does at Hull Minster is so important making sure that volunteers who have a disability or special educational needs feel safe, welcome and a part of the team. It's so nice to have someone who is willing to help shape the future of Hull Minster and become more understanding and inclusive. I've really loved the experience volunteering and can't wait to be around more thanks to the support, advice and understanding from Ann.” 

“My son has found a sense of community, a place to belong. He loves coming to Hull Minster, and for him this is his work. I don’t have to worry because I know he is safe volunteering as part of the Hull Minster team.” 

There are several individuals and families who are now part of Hull Minster worship and community activities due to Ann’s care and support. One man who attends Sunday worship, two students who have been on work experience placements who are now part of the volunteering team and children and young people with different learning abilities who have been able to access messy church activities and community days. 

The Church of England and the Diocese of York is committed to becoming more diverse, you can read more in this article “The Body of Christ is Neurodivergent”.