Mr Willats' Charity

The Charity was founded by Mr. William Willats in 1858 with the original aim of appointing workers to visit “members of the poorest and lowest classes of society, to read and explain the Holy scriptures, sermons and other good books, to pray with, or read prayers to them, and generally to impart to them religious instruction, advice and consolation”.

In the modern context, the Charity’s object is to support the work of lay people in Anglican parishes in England, Wales and Ireland, who are appointed as a ‘Guide’. The Guide’s work is mostly pastoral, often in one-to-one contact, and may include leading or assisting with activities organised by the church which are intended to spread the Gospel and encourage discipleship among different groups of people.