Church works miracles with anonymous £1million donation

A church in York has used an anonymous donation of £1 million to launch a programme of social work including a mental health nurse for the homeless and support for charities

A church has spent three years transforming lives with £1million it got from an anonymous donor.

The money has been used to launch a social action programme to help young people and families.

In all, 49 charities – from a debt advice line to a cafe employing ex-offenders – have benefited.

The church is now launching a mental health nurse service which will support the homeless.

Alison Dawson, manager of the action plan at St Michael le Belfrey church in York, said: “It has been a privilege to serve the city of York.

“It put us in the really great position of answering the question, ‘what would you do if someone gave you £1m for your city?’.”

One of the beneficiaries was Transitions CIC, which offers horse therapy to children who have disengaged from school.

Founder Hannah Brown said: “We now have a wonderful indoor space which the young people love. The grant has also enabled us to buy a new therapy horse, who is and will be instrumental in our equine therapy work.”