For our latest Spotlight article, we’re looking at the fantastic work being done by the recently-formed Spiritualist Aid Committee.
In this article, we look at the new committee and the ideas behind its mission statement to encourage deeper community connections with our churches and centres. Through a mix of projects and initiatives of their own, and championing existing work being done across the Union, the committee are steering a positive message of encouragement and, indeed, Spiritualism in action.
Our Spotlight series has long sought to shine a light on those churches, committees, and individuals who quietly go above and beyond in service to others. It’s entire purpose is share inspiring examples and good practice within the Union and movement.
Across the series, we’ve seen examples of committees reaching outward — offering support, connection, and compassion in ways that reflect the very heart of the Seven Principles. And, as we know from the feedback we receive from our members and readers, these stories do more than just inspire; they remind us of what is possible when Spiritualist philosophy and Principles are lived, not simply spoken.
It is within that same spirit that the recently formed Spiritualist Aid Committee (or ‘Spiritualist Aid Community Projects’, to give them their full title) finds its place. In many ways, the committee builds upon work already taking place across the movement, bringing a renewed focus on recognising, sharing, and encouraging that good work. At a time when connection and compassion are needed more than ever, this initiative speaks directly to the idea of the community-focused hubs that all of our churches hold the promise to be.
As Susan Quinn, one of the founding members of the committee, explains:
“Spiritualist Aid is an SNU initiative designed to inspire Spiritualist churches to actively connect with, support, and uplift their local communities through practical compassion and meaningful presence.
“It’s not just a charity initiative, it’s a call to action. A reminder that Spiritualism isn’t only expressed in our services, philosophy, or mediumship, but in how we show up for the people around us.”
“It’s not just a charity initiative, it’s a call to action. A reminder that Spiritualism isn’t only expressed in our services, philosophy or mediumship, but in how we show up for the people around us.”
Formed after the 2025 SNU AGM, the committee is part of an ongoing evolution within the Union, alongside other developments such as the Presidential Commission working groups, which see an ever keener focus on engagement and outreach. As we’ve seen throughout the Spotlight series, SNU churches have always been about more than just belief. They are about putting Spiritualism into action – in the ways our committees, volunteers and congregants care, provide support, and stand alongside those within their communities.
This new committee seeks to bring that into sharper focus, encouraging churches to recognise the value of what they already do and to build upon it with confidence.
The committee itself is made up of Louise Carver, Sera Fenwick, Shona O’Connor, and Susan Quinn. Quinn notably being the recipient of the SNU’s most recent ‘Spiritualist of the Year’ award.
Susan Quinn (left) of the new Spiritualist Aid Committee, pictured receiving the ‘Spiritualist of the Year’ Award from Minister Jackie Wright, President of the SNU (right) at last year’s AGM.
But the whole committee are united by a shared desire to nurture stronger connections between Spiritualist churches and the communities they serve.
Touchingly, their work is also carried forward in memory of the wonderful Carol Rooney, who passed to Spirit earlier this year, and whose kind example and influence remains deeply felt.
As Susan reflects:
“Carol was a member of our committee who championed the idea that Spiritualism was at its strongest when it was lived. Sadly, Carol had to step down when she was diagnosed with cancer. Carol was called home to spirit after a short illness, but we are in no doubt she will still be involved from the higher side.”
It’s difficult to overstate the quiet power of Susan’s words here. The recognition that service, like spirit, continues beyond what we can see. In many ways, the committee reflects that same continuity: a passing forward of inspiration, compassion, and purpose.
One of the early challenges the committee faced when reaching out was not necessarily a lack of willingness, but a misunderstanding of what was being asked. Many churches, ran by committee members who already give much of their time to keeping the doors open and services running, initially felt that the involvement could potentially be an ask on their time too far.
Susan explains:
“Many of our churches work with their communities, but getting them on board with Spiritualist Aid has been a bit more challenging than we initially expected.
“I think this was because our churches are run by volunteers with busy lives, and they thought we were going to ask them to get involved in large projects.”
In practice, the approach has been far more reassuring. Spiritualist Aid encourages churches to recognise and celebrate what they are already doing, while also suggesting small, meaningful ways to extend that work further into their communities. The committee have also offered inspiration through themed days and simple initiatives, providing ideas that can be taken up as they are, or adapted to suit each church.
“…many of our churches already reach out to their communities without really giving it any thought, we explained that these good deeds should be celebrated.”
Projects the team have come up with, such as ‘The Big Brew’ and ‘Odd Socks to Church Day’ offer accessible starting points. They show how community engagement can begin with something straightforward — a coffee morning, a shared activity, a small symbolic gesture — and still have an impact.
“When they realise that sometimes the smallest actions have the biggest impact on our communities… many of our churches already reach out to their communities without really giving it any thought, we explained that these good deeds should be celebrated.”
Across the country, churches are already supporting food banks, organising seasonal appeals, and raising funds for local causes. Often, these efforts take place quietly, driven by a genuine desire to help rather than recognition, but the committee are pleased to highlight them – on social media and within their literature.
“Many of our churches have food banks, Christmas toy appeals, and Easter egg appeals, and give donations from their fundraisers. They do this anyway. What we were asking them to do was reach out to their communities and ask what they could do to help, putting the community first.”
This shift of focus — asking communities what they need, rather than assuming — is just one of the signposting ways in which the committee are helping churches to strengthen their connections, ensuring their ‘Spiritualism in Action’ remains relevant and responsive.
‘The Big Brew’, for example, offers a simple way of bringing people together while raising funds for local causes. Thought up and promoted by Susan and the team, flyers have been sent out to Church Secretaries encouraging them to host coffee mornings in whatever way suits them best — whether through raffles, stalls, games, or simply shared conversation. Each gathering becomes an opportunity to connect, to welcome, and to give back. Notably, the committee at Kingston Spiritualist Church participating, hosting a successful ‘day filled with generosity, conversation, and genuine care’ which also proved to be a successful fundraiser endeavour, too.
Alongside this, fun and quirkier suggestions such as ‘Odd Socks to Church Day’ encourages congregations to celebrate difference, while supporting inclusion-based charities. The idea is light-hearted, but the message is meaningful — a visible expression of acceptance, unity, and individuality, reflecting the principle of the Brotherhood of Man.
‘The Big Brew’ is the most recent example of the projects and suggestions the Committee are sharing with Churches to help encouragement community engagement. Church secretaries should already have received their copy!
Taken together, these ideas reflect a sentiment shared by Susan:
“Our churches are full of compassionate people. Spiritualist Aid is where compassion becomes action. When churches reach out, communities grow stronger.”
In recent months, that compassion has been seen in abundance, particularly through a number of examples that have emerged across the Easter period. While Easter itself is not strictly a Spiritualist observance, it often provides a moment within the wider calendar where acts of giving and kindness naturally come to the fore.
The Committee have done a fantastic job of drawing attention and giving thanks to those churches who have done exactly this in recent weeks.
At Attercliffe Spiritualist Church, this took the form of a generous contribution to the local food bank. Donations of food and essential supplies were gathered and shared with those in need, offering practical support to families within the community. Spiritualists helping provide reassurance and dignity, particularly for those facing difficult circumstances.
Meanwhile, at Hemsworth Spiritualist Church, the focus turned toward the children’s ward of a local hospital. Through the collection of Easter eggs, volunteers brought moments of joy to young patients spending the holiday period away from home.
A similar sense of generosity could be seen at Rotherham Spiritualist Church, where Easter eggs were also collected, and this time donated to residents at the Lord Hardy Court Care Home in Rawmarsh. Wath & West Melton Spiritualist Church got into the Easter giving, too, with members collecting eggs for a local group in their area. Because of their generosity, children who may otherwise have gone without were able to enjoy a seasonal treat, and families within the community felt both supported and remembered.
It is through actions like these that Spiritualist values become visible in everyday life — expressed through unity, service, and kindness shared freely. Each of these examples highlights what can be achieved through willingness and awareness of need. And, as Susan and the team continue to emphasise, they did not rely on large resources or complex planning, but rather a shared desire to help and to connect, and a little willing and time.
This is what the Spiritualist Aid Committee seeks to encourage and champion — a culture of participation, where small actions contribute to something much wider in reach and impact. And even where the committee does not directly become involved with great community work – including some of the case studies above – it is doing a great job in ensuring these efforts are shared, recognised and noticed.
Even where not directly involved, the Spiritualist Aid Committee are sharing and championing the wonderful examples of community support within the Union, that are helping the likes of children’s wards (Hemsworth Spiritualist Church, left) and care homes (Rotherham Spiritualist Church, right).
With the committee in their relative infancy, Susan and the team nonetheless make a strong argument for how much potential exists across the movement, and it’s a powerful mission statement for the team.
With fourteen District Councils and nearly three hundred churches across the UK, even a single act of service from each would result in hundreds of communities receiving support. With continued involvement, that reach grows even further.
Susan captures that sense of possibility:
“Just imagine the difference we as Spiritualists could make if each church and District Council could get involved with two or three events… Wow, what a difference we could make.
“Be of service to your community.”
With 2026 being the SNU Year of Service continues, the work of the Spiritualist Aid Committee offers both encouragement and opportunity. It invites churches to recognise the value of what they already do, to share those efforts, and to continue building connections within their communities.
“Just imagine the difference we as Spiritualists could make if each church and District Council could get involved with two or three events…”
Spiritualism always often been described as a living philosophy and religion. The Seven Principles are expressed not only in words, but in actions — in the ways people support one another, offer kindness, and contribute to the wellbeing of those around them.
The work of the Spiritualist Aid Committee brings that into clear focus. It highlights how everyday acts of care can strengthen communities and create lasting impact.
Whether coming up with ideas and projects that can be rolled out and used at churches and centres in every corner of the Union, or just giving thanks and attention to those examples of community outreach already underway, the Committee prove themselves an irrepressibly positive and encouraging new wing of the Union’s focus on engagement.
And perhaps that is what stands out most clearly. When compassion is shared, it grows. When communities are supported, they become stronger. And when Spiritualism is lived through action, its influence reaches far beyond the walls of any church.
Into the lives of others.
And into the heart of the community itself.
Into our wider, broader, beautiful Brotherhood of Man.
.
by Kyle Pedley, SNU Head of Communications
with contributions by Susan Quinn and the Spiritualist Aid Committee.
first published Friday 24th April 2026.
For more information on the Spiritualist Aid Committee, to see their latest projects and initiatives and the church case studies they are sharing, please consider following their Facebook Page!
If you would like your Church, Centre or District to be considered for an upcoming Spotlight visit and article, please drop us an email on communications.events@snu.org.uk, outlining your interest and reasons for a visit.
The Spotlight series is intended to showcase, highlight and champion good practice and notable achievements at church or district level.