Aylsham Parish Church is set to host a barn dance with the aim of raising additional funds and awareness for the charity which this year was the focus of the Bishop’s Lent Appeal.
The event will take place at Aylsham Town Hall from 7pm on Saturday 6 September, with the proceeds of ticket sales, a raffle and drinks sold at the bar being donated to rural mental health charity YANA (You are not alone).
First launched in 2008, YANA provides mental health support for people living and working in agricultural and rural communities – with the ultimate aim to prevent loss of life through suicide.
Churchgoers throughout Norfolk and Waveney raised £16,415 for YANA as part of the Bishop of Norwich’s 2025 Lent Appeal, with the funds being used to support the charity’s vital helpline.
Revd Canon Julie Boyd, Team Rector for the Aylsham and District Team Ministry, is keen that the support evidenced through donations to the Lent Appeal is part of a consistent giving effort to the East Anglian charity:
“As a church we felt that it was important to continue with our support for YANA to help continue to raise the profile of the charity and help people to know the reality of the difficulties faced by people working in farming and rural businesses.
“We want everyone to know that they are not alone and so fully support YANA in the help that they give to the people who need them most.”
The barn dance will feature music led by the Keel Band, while tickets also entitle attendees to a meal.
Following the Bishop of Norwich presenting the funds raised during this year’s Lent Appeal to YANA, one of the charity’s trustees, Virginia Edgecombe, praised the fundraising effort by our region’s churches:
“I have been reminded of the brilliance of the parish system and the ability that the Church has to reach the rural communities en masse – it’s quite something and very powerful.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased here.