Well-Being @ St James

The holy well at St Winefride’s, which gives our town its name, has been a place of pilgrimage since at least 1115. However, the spring itself dates to the seventh century, when Welsh abbot St Beuno brought his niece Winifred back to life. This makes Holywell the oldest continually visited pilgrim site in Britain. We are also at the beginning of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way, which travels to Bardsey Island – the legendary ‘Isle of 20,000 Saints’.

St James’ Church is an ancient place of healing, but the church had fallen into disuse and disrepair after the new parish church (St Peter’s) was built 15 years ago. However, responding to the need we saw through our work in the community, the Well-Being @ St James project was born.

The building has been completely transformed and renewed to provide a space that we hope will once again become a centre of healing for pilgrims, visitors and members of our community. We have the only Parish Nursing Service in Wales, with a registered nurse ministering to all who need healing of body, mind or spirit.

We are also intending to launch a series of well-being support groups, answering the very real needs in our community for the healing touch of Christ.

Finally, we are hoping through our partnership with Go Health to become a centre of excellence in healing ministry. We are planning a series of healing services and quiet days for all to attend.

You can read more about our vision by visiting our website!