Bishop's Appeals

Bishop Robert launches two appeals a year – for Lent and Advent. On each occasion he is seeking support from across the diocese and beyond for specific organisation and ministries.

Over the years, the Bishop’s Appeals have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds.

In recent years, the Bishop’s Appeals have helped with European climate disaster relief, provided money for the Anglican Communion Fund, specifically for empowering women, and supported efforts to help child migrants in Calais.

Lent Appeal 2026

Vale Silves Community Centre

Located in the Parish of Boliqueime, Algarve, Portugal, the Vale Silves Community Centre has been serving vulnerable families, children, and especially the elderly for more than 30 years. Founded by Dra Maria Armanda Silva, a woman with a deep and lively faith, the Centre grew from a small parents’ initiative into a vital local charity providing home‑care, food support, children’s services, community outreach, and practical assistance to those most in need.

St Vincent’s Chaplaincy has partnered with the Centre for many years, offering ongoing support through fundraising, pastoral care, and practical involvement in the Centre’s elderly outreach programme.

Today, 50 elderly people receive essential daily care through the Centre, including many who are bedbound. A large food bank supports families three times a week, and the Centre’s childcare and meal programme ensures stability for working parents and their children.

The Centre operates with very limited resources and is heavily dependent on donations. Support through this year’s Lent Appeal will strengthen its core services and help ensure that the most vulnerable in the community continue to receive compassionate and dignified care.

Download a poster to help promote the Appeal in your chaplaincies or communities here.

How you can donate to the Bishop in Europe’s Lent Appeal 2026

By cheque made out to: Diocese in Europe

Diocese in Europe Board of Finance, 14 Tufton St London SW1P 3QZ

(Please add the words “Lent Appeal 2026” to any note you send with the cheque)

By bank transfer:

Account number: 40317039

Sort code: 20-06-13

IBAN: GB16 BUKB 2006 1340 3170 39 Swift / BIC: BUKBGB22

On the Diocese in Europe Just Giving page.