Reverend Anji Barker and her team recognised for a year-long partnership supporting patients and staff at Midland Metropolitan Hospital.
The Lodge Road URC and Newbigin Trust team celebrate winning EDI Champion of the Year at the Star Awards 2026.
Each Friday night from 8pm to 4am, a team of volunteers head to the A&E department at the new Midland Metropolitan Hospital to support people waiting to be seen, and to assist staff and patients in crisis throughout the department. The initiative began 12 months ago and has made a huge difference to the experience of both staff and patients, as well as contributing to a reduction in violent incidents in the waiting room — so much so that the team was recognised with an NHS Star Award.
“As a local church, we are invested in all our local services, and where God has put something within our hands to care for others, it’s our privilege to be part of it. So many people with complex needs end up in A&E simply because they are lonely and isolated, not because they need to see a doctor. We’re able to spend time with them and refer them on to our church and drop-in centre, where they become part of a large family of support, love, and care — meaning they need to attend A&E less often. Many turn up because they are homeless or unable to get home, and we’re able to put them in a taxi home, or into a hotel or other supported accommodation. After an eight-hour wait, patients often just need conversation, food, and a cup of tea — all things we as church members are good at.”
Rev Anji Barker, Synod Pioneer Cluster Leader