Our Location and History

The PSALM office and resource centre is based in the gallery of St Pancras Parish Church, Euston Road, London NW1 (opposite Euston Station). Our location in St Pancras Church is linked to the substantial commitment this church has made to the development of PSALM from our beginning.

It all started In 2002, In response to the London Challenge, an initiative in the Diocese of London challenging churches to work imaginatively through a range of themes and targets. The Edmonton Episcopal Area set out to explore how churches in the Area could develop their work for and with older people in the London boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield and Haringey.

Initially an investigation was conducted over a 9 month period to gain a picture of some of the key issues for people over 60, and to look at how churches in particular could help fill the gaps in service provision.

The PSALM report recognised that whilst remembering and responding to the needs of the old and frail, the church should not overlook the important work and contribution of older people who are fit and active. It was felt that seminars and workshops, on topics of concern for the older generation, particularly addressing and incorporating spiritual issues, would be welcomed. This is why PSALM is such an important name for us. It stands for the Project for Seniors And Lifelong Ministry.

Amongst our early activities, a training course was developed where volunteers were encouraged and assisted to visit residential homes and to provide activity sessions within a care setting.   A resource centre was built up where volunteers could borrow books, publications and equipment to help them in this work.

PSALM became a registered charity in April 2004 and was officially launched on Tuesday 22nd June 2004 at an inaugural service at St Pancras Church. The Rt Revd Peter Wheatley, Bishop of the Edmonton Episcopal Area, is President of PSALM.