In Spring this year, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, launched a free national phoneline as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people's homes while church buildings were closed during the coronavirus lockdown. The phone line has been very popular and will remain despite lockdown easing and some churches reopening.
The Daily Hope phone line have partnered with Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust Chaplaincy and Voluntary services who are piloting ‘Hymns We Love’ a selection of reflections based on hymns, their meaning and context written and narrated by Steve Cramer, on their hospital radio. This is a brilliant way to give peace and spiritual nourishment to patients, staff, and volunteers alike.
'Hymns We Love' is updated daily and provides a hymn and reflection. Hymns include, 'How great Thou art', 'Rock of Ages, 'Amazing grace', 'The Lord's my Shepherd', and 'And can it be?'.
Commenting on Daily Hope, the Archbishop of Canterbury says:
“Daily Hope has been a lifeline for tens of thousands of people in the last few months. We’ve heard stories of people using it who are regular church attenders and those who aren’t. That’s a testimony to the vital importance of Daily Hope."
Pippa Cramer, Pastoral Care and Seniors Minister at Holy Trinity Church, Claygate where Hymns we Love originated from says,
“We are delighted that University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust are piloting ‘Hymns we Love’ on their Hospital Radio station. It is the ‘Hymns we Love’ series that was the inspiration for ‘Daily Hope’.
"We are confident that many patients in hospital will also enjoy and appreciate ‘Hymns we Love’ and we are hopeful that other Trusts up and down the country will also broadcast Hymns we Love on their own Hospital Radio stations."
Bishop Christopher says,
"Hymns heal the heart. Hospital chaplains know that well. By drawing out their meaning, these reflections will help the ‘Hymns We Love' to bring solace to the soul and sing out hope in times of struggle as well as joy."
The Daily Hope phone line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044.