Young People Turn to Spiritualism for Guidance and Connection

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Young people in Notting Hill are increasingly attending spiritualist churches, where they seek direct communication with the spirit world through communal services led by mediums. This growth marks a broader revival of spiritualism among under-35s in the UK, reflecting a shift away from traditional religious institutions toward alternative forms of faith and connection.

On a typical evening in Notting Hill, London, a growing number of young people are turning to spiritualist churches for connection and guidance. Within a modest, tucked-away church, congregants gather quietly, awaiting messages believed to come from the spirit world. During one recent service, a medium singled out a young man in the congregation, conveying a personalized message from a spirit, prompting an emotional and affirming response.

Spiritualism, a religion that combines belief in life after death with direct communication from spirits, has long been viewed as a Victorian-era curiosity. However, church leaders say there has been a notable resurgence among younger generations. Jackie Wright, minister and president of the Spiritualists’ National Union, reports that membership among those under 35 has more than doubled in the last ten years. This trend aligns with broader societal attitudes; a YouGov poll indicates that about 20 percent of Britons consider it possible to communicate with the dead, with younger individuals showing greater openness.

Unlike broader spiritual practices such as astrology or tarot, spiritualism is a legally recognised faith with structured worship that includes elements influenced by Christian traditions. There are roughly 300 spiritualist churches across the United Kingdom. Services often involve communal experiences rather than private consultations with mediums, with an emphasis on collective connection.

Anne-Marie Sweeney, secretary of the London Spiritual Mission in Notting Hill, emphasizes the importance of this communal aspect for those who have experienced loss. “Maybe it’s a 28-year-old who’s lost her baby, or someone who has lost their father,” she explains. “It’s about being in touch with someone who lived and receiving a message, rather than going for a one-to-one with a medium you pay for.” Spiritual medium Rosanna Smith adds that attendees often feel more accepted within spiritualist churches than in conventional religious settings.

Academic observers note the shift as part of a broader change in religious affiliation. Professor Linda Woodhead, head of theology and religious studies at King’s College London, suggests young people’s spiritual interests no longer find a natural home in traditional churches, which many no longer attend or actively belong to.

The modern spiritualist movement traces its origins back to 1848 in New York, when two young sisters claimed to have communicated with a deceased man. The movement quickly spread to Britain, where the first spiritualist church was established in Yorkshire in 1853.

Today’s resurgence reflects a renewed desire among younger people to seek meaning and solace through spiritual connection, often outside mainstream religious institutions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.