C of E holds trial of ‘digital collection plate’

THE trial of a “digital collection plate” is being extended: the company behind it, SumUp, is planning to allow parishes across the country to buy the SumUp reader through the Church’s Parish Buying service soon. The portable Collection Box is equipped with an embedded SumUp card reader and a smartphone

Report reveals pressures on children’s social care

A NEW report published by the National Audit Office says that the Department for Education does not fully understand what is driving demand for children’s social care. It also shows that there has been a seven-per-cent rise, from 2010-11 to 2017-18, in referrals of children to local authorities because of concerns about their welfare: 655,630 were being referred in 2017-18. The director of policy and research at the Children’s Society, Sam Royston, said: “This is a wake-up call for the Government to get to grips with the growing demand facing children’s services departments and to urgently address the £3-billion shortfall they face by 2025. Behind these numbers lie vulnerable children in desperate need of support. Councils need more funding to prevent issues from arising and escalating, and to ensure children and families get the help they need when this does sadly happen.”

Archbishop of York writes prayer for Duke of Edinburgh

THE Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, posted on Twitter a prayer adapted from the Prayer Book for the Duke of Edinburgh after he was involved in a car accident on Thursday of last week. “Almighty God, the Fountain of all Goodness, We humbly beseech thee to bless Philip Duke of Edinburgh: Endue him with thy Holy Spirit; enrich him with thy Heavenly Grace; prosper him with all happiness; and bring him to thine everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” The Duke of Edinburgh was unhurt in the incident, but two others were treated in hospital for minor injuries.