Brief
Young Britons Turn to Spiritualist Churches for Comfort
YouGov data shows 20% of Britons believe they can talk to the dead, with the highest support among 18‑24‑year‑olds.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On a Wednesday night in west London, the Spiritualist church was packed as a young crowd gathered for a session of mediumship. Bev Mann, a medium described as "fabulously blonde, tanned and bejeweled," led the service, claiming to channel a spirit resembling comedian Max Wall.
What happened
The evening began with opening prayers followed by three minutes of meditation to Enya’s "Only Time." Afterward, Mann invited the audience to "speak to the dead," a practice that has seen a resurgence among people under 35. The service featured music such as ABBA’s "I Have a Dream" and concluded with participants sharing personal reflections.
What the report adds
The Independent notes that YouGov data released in 2026 shows one in five Britons believes communication with the dead is possible. Support is highest among 18‑24‑year‑olds (28%) and 50‑64‑year‑olds (24%). The article links this trend to broader social pressures, including geopolitical uncertainty, economic strain and anxiety about artificial intelligence.
What was said
Bev Mann told the reporter, "I just think that the younger generation are so much under so much pressure… Everyone’s more aware of their self‑worth and empowerment; they don’t have to follow a certain road. They’re looking for answers." Dr Caroline Starkey, a specialist in minority religions at the University of Leeds, added, "These patterns of change or social loosening make people crave for certainty. We’re in a time where many more people are statistically not connected into mainstream religion. So, spiritualism fills that gap; that transcendental connection that answers the…"
How it came about
Spiritualist churches date back to the mid‑19th century, when New York teenagers Kate and Maggie Fox popularised the movement in 1848. The first English church opened in Yorkshire in 1853. Dr Starkey observed similar spikes during the Industrial Revolution and the First World War, suggesting that periods of social upheaval often trigger renewed interest in spiritualist practices.
Key facts
- One in five Britons believes it is possible to talk to the dead, according to YouGov. (independent.co.uk)
- 28% of 18‑24‑year‑olds support the idea, the highest proportion among age groups. (independent.co.uk)
- Bev Mann, a medium at a west London Spiritualist church, led a session on Wednesday night. (independent.co.uk)
- Spiritualist churches first appeared in England in 1853 after originating in the United States in 1848. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Why young people are finding solace in speaking to the dead”
