Deanery Implementation Teams across the diocese are refreshing their deanery plans this year to help revitalise ambitious visions for their communities.

People worshiping in the Diocese of Truro want to see fruitfulness and sustainability in their churches – they also want to support those in their area and be an integral part of local life.

Deanery plans, which were first implemented about three years ago, are an important part of discovering community needs and seeing how the church can work to help.

Ruth Marriott, Director of Change and Renewal, describes these plans as a ‘road map to help each deanery to become fruitful and sustainable’.Hands gesture while talking with person wearing a blue shirt.

She said they evolve and adapt to the needs of the deanery.  This is why they are reviewed each year.

“These plans can change over time depending on what is happening in the deanery,” she explained.

Ruth revealed churches following deanery plans have been witnessing a number of positive outcomes.

She said: “We are seeing some culture change in some places.

“We are hearing positive stories of things happening as we go out on visits.”

Examples of this positivity include Parish Church of St Stephen’s in Treleigh, Redruth, where members wanted to reach out to their community. Being close to a primary school, they offered their hall as a warm, dry space for parents before pick up – and made tea and cake.

Another example is Bradoc, in Trigg Minor Major and Bodmin, where church members wanted to support children and young people. They learnt the transition from primary to secondary school was a tricky time for some, so created a film club for the youngsters to attend and engage with their church and community.

A third example is Pydar deanery, Newquay, where church members have seen a growth in congregation members including children, young people and families. The deanery teamed up with SWYM to think about how they can build upon this engagement with children and young people.

Project Support Officers (PSOs) are available to Deanery Implementation Teams all year round to enable them to implement their plans, offer advice and give practical support.

Jo Dean, a Project Support Officer, said: “The role of the PSO is one similar to a critical friend.  Our role involves supporting aspiration and delivery of the plans and helping to resolve any challenges the process may present.

“All the deaneries are at different stages in their plans, and we are there to give them the support needed to successfully implement their plans and create a lasting legacy.”

A case study on the deanery plan review process can be found here: https://trurodiocese.org.uk/2026/03/there-is-a-lot-of-hope-in-the-deanery/