30th April 2020
Cambridgeshire Workplace Chaplaincy launch helpline
A Helpline offering a listening ear and emotional support is now available thanks to Cambridgeshire Workplace Chaplaincy. A team of multifaith workplace chaplains and counsellors are on hand Monday to Friday 9am-5pm to offer support during these unprecedented times.
The charity recognised the need for additional support at the moment; as so many experiencing extreme stress in their work and personal lives due to pressures brought about by the current pandemic. CWC’s database of multifaith chaplains had capacity to offer remote support now many are not operating in businesses or organisations due to Lockdown.
CWC promote the concept of workplace chaplaincy across the county as an extra level of support for employers, employees and the self-employed – an impartial support service separate from any HR function and many organisations value a Chaplain’s support as a ‘safe space’ for people to turn to.
The CWC Helpline is also part of the ‘Now We’re Talking‘ campaign launched this week by Cambridgeshire County Council to coordinate helpline calls and referrals to other support organisations in conjunction with Lifecraft, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and the county’s Clinical Commissioning Group. The Lifeline Plus helpline will forward relevant callers to CWC for additional support.
For more information see www.cambsworkplacechaplaincy.org.uk or to contact the helpline call 0800 246 5193 (a voicemail service is offered at other times) ENDS.
5th March 2018
Cambridgeshire Workplace Chaplains feel supported for the future (press release)
Workplace Chaplains of different faiths and denominations met in Ely to share experiences, network and hear what Cambridgeshire businesses are doing to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of employees.
Newly-formed charity Cambridgeshire Workplace Chaplaincy held a launch event that brought together different faith bodies, employers and supporters along with a wide mix of chaplains who provide for people working in diverse industries such as business, shops, schools, colleges, prisons, waterways and hospices.
A letter of support was read out from Gordon Ridgeon of the Ridgeons Group, who explained how important workplace chaplaincy has been to their staff over the years. Gillian Beasley, CEO of Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council then spoke to Chaplains and supporters describing how important an independent voice in the form of a chaplain is to Council staff.
Gillian introduced a chaplaincy scheme in response to recognising stresses in the workplace and felt that ‘showing kindness, compassion and concern can make the difference between someone going under or thriving’. She explained how this works at the Council;
‘Workplace chaplaincy offers a vital frontline support and are safe spaces for staff because it is independent of the organisation, and from HR. The service allows early interventions, a way of ironing out the mind, giving calm and clarity to someone in a safe and independent environment. As a major employer in Cambridge and Peterborough, the Council’s staff deserve to be supported well and workplace chaplaincy offers this to them.’
The Rt. Rev. Dr David Thomson, Bishop of Huntingdon also addressed delegates and was pleased to hear from chaplains and employers. Bishop David, reflecting on the Lord’s Prayer, said that;
‘There are three key ways churches can play a part and make a difference to workplace chaplains; firstly, by prayer for them and their work, secondly by encouraging people to support them personally and as trustees, and thirdly by standing up alongside them for the Christian principle of putting others’ needs before our own, so that every day is a sort of Christmas Day, one of giving and receiving rather than grabbing and getting.’
Cambridgeshire Workplace Chaplaincy are now developing their programme of activities following feedback from Chaplains, with the aim of supporting workplace chaplaincy services and those who deliver them whilst promoting the presence and value of chaplaincy in the workplace across the county. ENDS