Survey results from Workplace Chaplains and Supporters

Thank you to all our workplace chaplains, supporters and religious leaders who gave up two minutes of their time to give us feedback on our service.

Since our launch event in early 2018 we were reassured to see Chaplains in particular still wanted the range of support we are offering (or planning to offer) including regular chances to meet and support each other, access to training and CPD and financial assistance to attend events and training. Since the survey was circulated we have launched our bursary scheme and we are delighted that chaplains are already making use of this offer.

We will now look to see what training and courses we can offer online; and give chaplains more opportunities to discuss their experiences with each other.

Supporters and Chaplains alike felt promoting the concept of workplace chaplaincy to be very important and this is an area we’re striving to build on constantly. We’ve recently moved our social media emphasis to our Facebook page (to reach Chaplains and the general public) and now to LinkedIn to build relations with organisations and HR professionals.

Summary of results showed:

Demographics:

  • 36% respondents were workplace chaplains
  • 33% respondents were supporters
  • 15% respondents were religious leaders or institutions
  • Most workplace chaplains were from Cambridge area (43%) followed by Peterborough area (33%) and Huntingdon (19%) with others scattered around the county
  • 43% or respondents are supported by a religious institution with 14% supported by an employer. 24% do not have support.
  • Half of workplace chaplains in our county are working at full capacity (50%), with 45% having some capacity for further work

What Chaplains want

  • Key issues workplace chaplains want to see CWC actively doing and offering were promoting workplace chaplaincy, support and training opportunities, networking with other chaplains and CPD and non-managerial supervision

Communications

  • Supporters and chaplains alike want to see the value of workplace chaplaincy to be promoted by CWC
  • 100% of respondents were happy in the way CWC communicated with them
  • Preferences for the future were communications by email, newsletter and Facebook

Bursary Fund for Workplace Chaplains

CWC are pleased to announce a new Bursary Fund for workplace
chaplains to apply to.

Purpose of the Fund:
The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial support to chaplains who are seeking to attend a conference, training course or retreat that will enhance their ministry as workplace chaplains.

Eligibility:
Any chaplain who is a recognised chaplain on the Cambridgeshire Workplace Chaplaincy (CWC) database and who is providing chaplaincy services in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.

Funding details:
The CWC Bursary Fund will provide grants of up to £500 for each successful application. Full terms and conditions are available from Jane Thompson (see below).

Application process:
Applicants should complete the application form available from Jane Thompson, our administrator, at info@cambsworkplacechaplaincy.org.uk and return it to the same email address.

Each application will be considered by the CWC Trustees and a decision will be
communicated to all applicants within one month of each closing date.

The closing dates for applications in 2020 are as follows:
31 August 2020
30 November 2020
Dates for 2021 will be publicised in future newsletters.

CWC Listening service for those needing support

 

Listening service – email support@cambsworkplacechaplaincy.org.uk

Cambridgeshire Workplace Chaplaincy has recognised a need for a listening service – to offer comfort and support for those who are finding life difficult at the moment during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The day to day adjustments that many are having to make at the moment due to a stressful job or juggling working from home; coupled with responsibilities at home are very stressful for many of us.

Maintaining and enhancing the emotional and mental health of everyone is critical during these turbulent times. We urge all to not be too proud or self-reliant and to seek support and help whenever you need it. It’s not an admission of weakness.

  • The Listening service is a way to get support from our team of volunteers
  • Email your details to support@cambsworkplacechaplaincy.org.uk
  • Your details are passed to one of our volunteers who are either multifaith chaplains or trained counsellors and they will get in touch (phone or email – up to you)
  • Our multifaith chaplains are a diverse group who are happy to provide emotional support regardless of whether you have any spiritual or religious beliefs – their aim is to listen and comfort

CWC holds Celebration of Chaplaincy service at Ely Cathedral

Workplace chaplains and supporters of chaplaincy from across Cambridgeshire gathered at Ely Cathedral recently for a special service celebrating the role of workplace chaplains, which included a special attendance by Mrs Sue Freestone DL.

The Bishop of Huntingdon (Bishop Dagmar Winter) led the service which included prayers, thanksgiving and hymns chosen to reflect the diverse work chaplains offer via a listening ear in the workplace.

Revd Dr Jenny Gage, a Trustee of CWC and Minister for Social Justice at Ely Cathedral, gave Prayers of Praise:

Almighty God,

sustainer of daily life and work, and provider of all our needs:

open our hearts to your creative power

so that we might know your will,

praise your name,

and share your vision for the creation of your kingdom.

In the name of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Following hymns and prayers; Professor Clive Morton Vice Chair of CWC gave a short report on the variety of workplace chaplains operating across the County. The service was then concluded with a sermon and blessing from the Bishop of Huntingdon, focusing on the power of community within the workplace.

After the service all guests were invited to join together for refreshments within the Cathedral where they had chance to speak to the Bishop and Trustees of CWC. A Story book of Chaplaincy experiences across Cambridgeshire was shared with all: Download a copy here: Chaplaincy_story_book_visual_only