Michael's story

Michael lives in the Borrowell Clergy Homes in Coventry, alongside a number of other retired clergy, their partners and widow/ers, following over a decade of ordained ministry in the Church of England.

Having moved to the UK from South Africa to follow his calling to join the Church, we was pleasantly surprised by the range of support available from charities like Clergy Support Trust, as well as later from the UK benefits system.

Michael made time to chat with us about his experience of applying to the Trust, and the wide-ranging challenges that face clergy in and approaching retirement.

If you are serving or retired clergy, their spouse or partner, a separated or divorced partner, widow or widower, we would encourage you to use our handy Eligibility Checker to see whether we might be able to help you with the challenges you face, and make life a little bit easier.

Martin is sat on a dark blue mobility scooter. Behind him is a long stretch of sandy beach, leading to the ocean.

How did you first learn about the Trust?

"I moved to the UK from South Africa, became ordained, and first applied for support from the Trust in 2015, maybe 2016. Clergy Support Trust wasn't as well-known then as you are now, and I think you've grown quite dramatically since then.
Over the years, you've given me a Wellbeing grant to go back to South Africa to see family, an Emergency grant for vehicle expenses, and a wonderful Health grant when my wife needed some dental work done. I like that asking for help from you is non-invasive, non-threatening, and very user-friendly. What really stands out to me is the willingness to help, the openness, being non-judgmental, and no dilly-dallying!
I wasn't used to the availability of charities and these kind of networks you can apply to, so there was some nervousness about reaching out the first time."

Why is it so important for clergy and their families to ask for help when it's needed?

"Many people who aren't affiliated with clergy or ministry, they may think it's the easiest job in the world - but the stress levels are quite high running a local church!
You don't need anything else that could increase that stress, or distract you from focusing on the job. Your family should always be your deepest concern, and to have any extra pressures alleviated with support from the charity, it's a huge benefit for us and all of our families.
At the end of the day, if the need is genuine, if it's a real need, you're either going to go and borrow the money if you haven't got it, and risk getting into debt, or you can get assistance like that of Clergy Support Trust. It just makes life a lot easier."

Martin is sat on a dark blue mobility scooter, parked on the beach, facing the sea. The sky is a tranquil blue, with light clouds.

A zoomed in photo of the rear-view mirror of a mobility scooter. Martin is in the reflection, wearing glasses and a cap.

The challenges faced by retired clergy

"I think, in the Church and beyond, there's a lack of awareness of retired clergy and pointers, directions in which they can go for help.
My service was below the fifteen-year criteria, so I didn't qualify for housing when I retired. The Diocese suggested places up north and down south - but my family are all here in Warwickshire. It's not anyone's fault, but having paid less than fifteen years of National Insurance, my state pension and Church pensions are very low, but I've learned that by pushing the right buttons, I can find out what help's available.
The benefits system in the UK is phenomenal, and I've become quite an expert now on what's available, where to apply, and it gives me peace of mind for the future, especially for my wife if I die before her. I think there needs to be a bit more information on retirement available to clergy and especially their partners, to give spouses the confidence to apply to charities like Clergy Support Trust, and things like that."

What we do

At Clergy Support Trust, we believe that people who have spent their lives serving their communities should be able to enjoy a financially secure retirement, free of worries for the future.

Almost 10% of the retired clergy we support have given 40 years or more's service to the Church, their congregations and communities. Despite this dedicated service, many are struggling to pay their heating bills, and to afford vital household adaptations and mobility aids.

Over 250 retired clergy households have relied on our grants and services since 2019, and in 2024, we provided over £400,000 to support them. We also enjoy fruitful, close collaborative partnerships with key organisations, like the Retired Clergy Association chaired by The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, to help champion and advocate for retired clergy and their families.

Find out more

Jun's story

"It's a Grace of God that we have Clergy Support Trust, and you can trust them."

Paul and Jo's story

"A psychiatrist identified what I was experiencing as bipolar. I thought 'Oh my goodness. That explains the past thirty odd years!'"

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Photography: Clergy Support Trust

Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest charity focussed on the wellbeing of clergy and their families. The Trust, originally founded in 1655, provides confidential help for Anglican clergy and their families across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Diocese in Europe. The Trust are confidential, independent, inclusive, and impartial, and we support clergy from training through to retirement. In 2025, we supported over 2,900 households with more than 7,000 grants.