Anna Chaplaincy
Anna Chaplaincy takes its name from the faithful older characters in the second chapter of Luke's Gospel, Simeon and Anna. The first Anna Chaplain, former broadcaster and Licensed Lay Minister Debbie Thrower, works for The Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) as the founder and pioneer of this work, while remaining a part-time Anna Chaplain in Alton. BRF is responsible for the promotion and development of Anna Chaplaincy, which sits squarely within all that the charity does to inspire, equip and enable people in their churches and communities.
Anna Chaplains support older people spiritually and:
- Are community based, going where people are, to those in need
- Make no distinction between church goers and non-church goers, those of faith or of no faith
- Their care is person-centred and non-judgemental
- Are able to include family, carers and care professionals
- Are committed to working ecumenically (wherever possible)
Anna Chaplains' Ministry includes:
- Accompanying – walking alongside
- Listening to people’s ‘stories’
- Sensitive spiritual care
- Many ministries – housebound, care homes retirement facilities, community, dementia friendly café’s … and many more (wherever there are opportunities)
Anna Chaplains for older people:
- May be Lay or ordained
- Their gifts for this ministry are recognised by their local church and they are then ‘sent’ and supported by their local church
- They are linked to and supported by Bible Reading Fellowship, and the Anna Chaplaincy Network
The advantages of Anna Chaplaincy for older people:
- Anna Chaplaincy has an extensive network of those working in older people’s ministry
- Network members provide support and are able to share a wealth of experience including ‘Messy Vintage’
- BRF provides training materials for Anna Chaplains; further supported by ongoing topical publications
- There is an annual gathering for teaching and sharing
For further information contact Rev Sally Rees at sally.rees@annachaplaincy.org.uk or visit https://www.annachaplaincy.org.uk/
