How Chesterfield's Crooked Spire is continuing to serve the community during the coronavirus crisis

Reverand Patrick Coleman insisted the church was still very much supporting people amid the crisis – and urged residents to ‘look out for each other’ and ‘stay safe’.

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He told the Derbyshire Times: “Difficult and challenging times should be when people are at their best.

“I certainly hope this will be case as we in Chesterfield as well as throughout the UK and elsewhere in the world come to terms with the severe restrictions we have been asked to observe.

“Some people will have seen that the Church of England has now ordered a complete halt to any activity in church buildings.

“The Crooked Spire is not going away: it is still lit up at night; it still shines the Cross of Light into the streets around; its prayer life may be absent from the building but it is alive in our homes.

“Services will continue to be streamed daily on Facebook and soon on YouTube, but from the vicarage and the curate’s house.

“The church is still here to serve.

“A call to 01246 206506 will access a 24/7 emergency number which will offer help, practical advice and real support.

“The clergy team are supporting the chaplaincy team at the Royal hospital and have made themselves available for remote support and counselling to our local primary care teams.

“The schools in the parish which are looking after the children of key workers are also being supported.

“Regular worshippers at the church are being kept in touch with, and if you or someone you know need a conversation or a kind word, a request to 01246 206506 will set that up.

“You can also call that number or email [email protected] if you know of any other way we can help or support the community of Chesterfield at this time.

“We remain in this together, even where the tried and trusted ways of support are no longer permitted.

“Please look after yourselves, look out for each other, stay safe, and let us know if we can look out for you in prayer and service.”

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