Chaplains help through making connections, listening and sharing time together.

Later life brings a whole host of new experiences and challenges. Sharing those experiences with another person can help make sense of the situation.

Processing thoughts and emotions, whilst sharing memories and stories is a positive way to deal with these challenges.

Whether on the phone, or in person, talking with our friendly chaplains is a gentle way for older people to feel connected and valued.

Ways our Chaplains help:

Listening

Helping older people talk about and reflect on their life experiences and the relationships and events that have been important to them. Sharing memories can be a joyful and healing process.

Spiritual Support

Periods of change or transition can be difficult emotionally as we get older; moving from independent living into sheltered housing, or losing someone close. Talking things through, and addressing the spiritual part of this process can be helpful.

Acts of Faith

Where it is appropriate, Chaplains can provide acts of Christian worship such as Holy Communion, baptism, reading the Bible together and prayer.

Resources

Chaplains use a range of resources, some developed by Caraway and some by other organisations to facilitate conversation, explore different ideas, have some fun and build a relationship with the older person.

Connecting

Finding places and groups within the community that may provide longer term support, friendship and activity.

Local churches and community centres often offer a wonderful source of groups from lunch and coffee groups, to knitting sessions and Men in Sheds.

Signposting

If help is needed in areas outside the remit of our Chaplains, they will be able to refer to other services, charities, organisations, and spiritual care givers of other faiths, many specifically for older people, that may be able to help.