Petersfield Town Chaplaincy
Serving with humility bringing about change through caring.
Contact: chaplaincy@pact.org.uk If you would like to receive emails about the activities of the Chaplaincy please subscribe via the form on the Subscribe to Emails page.
November 2011: Chaplaincy Scheme is Launched
Vision and Mission Statement
To express Christ's love, as part of the church, in public and personal ways through a team of Chaplains who seek to provide a listening ear and to build bridges of understanding and trust between industry, faith, commerce and society.
The Case for Chaplaincy
- A workforce that has a sense of wellbeing is generally a happy and more productive work force. The role of Chaplains or Chaplaincy has historically and typically contributed to this in organisations such as the armed forces, hospitals, hospices, prisons and emergency services. Over time it has adapted to the changing world of work to provide a chaplaincy service to all facets of the community at work leisure and society.
- In our rapidly changing world the workplace can, by its very nature, be stressful and de-humanising. Companies that care for their employees and work to develop their culture and values often benefit from a more motivated workforce resulting in added value.
- As part of this approach, chaplains will act to complement, supplement and work closely with occupational health and human resources functions within the company environment.
What Is Chaplaincy?
Chaplaincy provides a listening ear and will build bridges of understanding and trust between work, faith, leisure and society.
Why Chaplaincy?
The modern work environment is increasingly challenging and it is recognised that, more than ever individuals may need some help to be able to keep things in perspective. It is recognised, too, that everybody is a complete person: body, mind and spirit. Our work can affect us, our physical and mental wellbeing, as well as, perhaps, our own deeply held standards and beliefs.
How can Chaplains Help?
- They are available for private conversations at work or in a suitable private environment.
- They get alongside staff in the working environment in a way that does not interfere with a person's normal work pattern.
- They visit on a regular basis, possibly around shift change time or other times when staff are available. In this way, they become a familiar friend.
- Chaplains are appointed to care for all staff, of all faiths and none. They will, if requested to do so by an individual member of staff, discuss any matters related to the Christian faith.
What is a Chaplain?
- A chaplain is a person who interacts with people for their emotional and spiritual well-being.
- A chaplain is, and remains, independent of the company he or she visits.
- A chaplain, as a representative of a local church, acts as a bridge builder with the workforce.
- Chaplains are motivated by their faith.
- They are not there to preach but to offer care, comfort and a listening ear.
- A chaplain's visits are organised with the agreement of the management and staff and the Chaplaincy service is open to all without discrimination.
- Confidentiality covers all aspects of a chaplain's work, including individual conversations and information about the company.
- The Chaplaincy is not a formal counselling service and should be regarded as complementing existing provisions and services.
What Do Chaplains Do?
- Their work is totally confidential
- The basic role of the chaplain is to care for the organisation by caring for the individuals within it
- A chaplain is in a unique position because he or she would be totally independent and should not normally be required to report in detail who they see and what is said
- They make themselves available to people who need someone to talk to in confidence
- By their on-going presence, they become aware of the stresses and strains of life in the organisation and try to help staff at all levels by being a critical friend
- Where the company has a policy of supporting and encouraging Christian or Multi Faith fellowships, the chaplain will provide support and maintain contact with each fellowship
- A Chaplain will offer support if a member of staff is injured or dies
- If appropriate, the Chaplain may make arrangements to visit staff who are ill, either at home or in hospital. This could also extend to the offer of care and support to families and friends
- They will if requested attend meetings, staff training events and briefings as appropriate and if invited
- Chaplains do not evangelise but witness to God's love for all people regardless of faith or background
- Chaplains will come together to pray regularly for the workforce and for the situations and members of staff they are involved with.
John Callaghan
chaplaincy@pact.org.uk
Petersfield Town Chaplaincy Provides:
- Appropriate and only general feedback to those who lead the organisation
- Contact with a wide range of local networks that could be beneficial to the company and its employees
- A listening ear as well as the ability to understand the challenges of those working at all levels in the company
- A service available to all employees from the most senior manager to the most junior employee including both executive and non-executive Directors
- An independent confidential service for all staff regardless of faith and creed that can help to provide a happier and more contented workforce
- They can also be available as an additional resource to HR/OH, for example in situations of distress or death.
