Pastoral Care

Parish Visiting

Within our churches there are eight people commissioned by a bishop - Bishop John in 2007 and Bishop Trevor in 2008 - to help Peter with the pastoral side of his work in the parish. Eight more people are currently in training.

We are not counsellors; we are people who are considered to be naturally good listeners who have received training to use this ability to help others. Confidentiality is paramount in all that we do.

We exist to come alongside anyone in any sort of need, including:-

• Bereavement - needing to speak of the person who has died or needing to talk through the practical issues that inevitably arise
• Illness - whether the illness is short term or of an increasingly debilitating nature, the one who is ill or the one who cares might need to share feelings and concerns with someone outside the immediate family
• Childbirth - a joyful time but one which can bring new pressures of many kinds
• Depression - a hell on earth when knowing there is someone who cares and is prepared to listen really can help
• Loneliness - this could perhaps be eased by someone coming to visit on a regular basis

This is a ministry for any person who lives in our parish, not just for those who attend one of our churches. Although we would visit as representatives of the church, it is not our role to evangelise and we would respect any or no beliefs.

If you feel that we could help, please do contact the Parish Office or Peter.