A newly-appointed Anglican priest who will cover one of Suffolk's largest multi-parishes known as benefices wants to attract more young people to her church.

Revd Helen Grover has been appointed as priest in charge of a newly-merged Suffolk benefice, a combination of the parishes of North Hartismere and Redgrave cum Botesdale with the Rickinghalls.

After being ordained in 2021 Revd Grover was an Assistant Curate at Cockfield. Prior to her ordination she worked as a parish administrator and pastoral assistant in the Diocese of Chelmsford.

She started her new role on September 19 with her licencing at St Mary’s Church in Redgrave that evening led by Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich, and supported by Venerable Rich Henderson, Archdeacon of Suffolk.

Revd Helen Grover was previously Assistant Curate at Cockfield. Revd Helen Grover was previously Assistant Curate at Cockfield. (Image: Prominent PR) Revd Grover admitted that it was sad to be leaving Cockfield but that she was relishing her new challenge and that one of her main goals is to encourage more young people to join her congregation.

She said: "On one hand it’s very sad to be leaving Cockfield - it was such a privilege to be part of such an incredible community, building amazing relationships with the people in the area.

"But on the other hand, I am so excited to have the opportunity to be part of another wonderful community this side of Suffolk, meeting new people and building on the achievements of the benefice.

"Our churches are so welcoming and inviting to all and I am looking forward to seeing lots of people come through our doors.

"This area of Suffolk really is a lovely place – my first impression when visiting was how welcoming the people are, you can see they are people that care deeply about their churches.

“Our aim is to oversee the combining of these two brilliant benefices and to grow it younger and in number, encouraging more people - especially younger people - to come to church.”

Revd Helen Grover wants to attract more young people to her new congregation. Revd Helen Grover wants to attract more young people to her new congregation. (Image: Prominent PR) Revd Grover also emphasised the importance of churches being the centre of their communities.

She said: "The role of the church community is to love and support people and their families through the ups and downs of life, to be alongside them on their journey.

"Churches should be at the centre of their communities, bringing people together and growing together, and that’s what we will look to build on in this new combined benefice.

“Working in a church community always feels like such a privilege, although it never feels like work at all.

“There are so many wonderful people out there to meet.”