A listening ear, offering emotional and spiritual support

Since 2008, we have been sending out trained chaplains to different organisations and businesses in the town centre. Coming from all walks of life, they give a couple of hours each week and spend time with staff, patients or clients depending on the placement, listening without judgement in a safe and confidential space.

We all have times in our life when we are dealing with different kinds of loss, stresses and difficulties. Our chaplains are there for those times. It is often easier to open up and be completely honest with a chaplain in a way that you can’t with close friends or family. If you would like to know more about becoming a chaplain or if you are an organisation looking for a chaplain, we would love to hear from you.

Please watch the video below to hear more.

10

Number of volunteers

1200

Annual volunteer hours

517

Number of Beneficiaries Each Year

Chaplaincy in the workplace can help staff to:

  • Manage challenges with personal and social situations at work
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Provide care unlike any other agency, offering impartial friendship and support
  • Reduce progression to psychosomatic symptoms and breakdowns
  • Access other services through signposting

Chaplaincy in GP’s surgeries can for the patients seen:

  • Improve the quality of life of patients and their families
  • Improve wellbeing in patients comparable to that of antidepressants
  • Reduce the need for GP appointments

Hear from our volunteers

Annie

“It is the most wonderful role with lots of opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. There is a huge need …sometimes just ‘listening’ can be that Light in a very dark place”

“The lovely thing is that so many want to chat. It may be for just a few minutes or it may be for more than an hour. We cover everything from work and family issues to health and faith. The bottom line is – I am there to listen – and to listen sympathetically and without judging. I simply love what I do. The people I meet are dedicated, professional and a joy to know.“

Russ
Russ
Noelle

“This is probably one of the best things I do in any given week. I count it a great privilege to be able to listen to people’s stories and concerns, to pray with them if they wish, and provide a safe space for them to share.”

Case Studies

  • Volunteer Chaplains – Russ

    November 27, 2023

    I work alongside up to two hundred officers and staff. I visit on Fridays and am usually there for about 4 hours. I wear my Chaplain’s fleece, a great way for others to recognise me. Most of the time I simply walk around and chat to people. Everyone who works there is carrying a huge responsibility and one of my greatest challenges is knowing when to interrupt and when to pass by. [...]

Volunteer Chaplains Coordinator

Susanna Hoar

Works Monday – Tuesday

Contact Volunteer Chaplains

Need more information about Volunteer Chaplains, want to make a donation or get involved?

Volunteer Chaplains enquiries