Volunteering for Chaplaincy in the Community and Mental Health Service

2020 has been unusual and difficult in many ways for most people.  Our fantastic volunteers have had to adapt by providing support by alternative communications such as telephone and Web based gatherings.

It is great to look back at how things were before March 2020 so please read below a few experiences from our team.

“I have been a volunteer at West Mendip Hospital for many years.  I am a trained nurse and had just retired when I saw an advert for a volunteer to join the Chaplaincy team at our local hospital.  The request was in our Church magazine. I am part of the Pastoral Team at St Cuthberts Church in Wells and this seemed to be something that I could do.  I do enjoy talking and listening to the patients and have found it most rewarding.  The nurses are busy and perhaps we have a little more time to sit and talk.  Sometimes it is good to listen to the staff too as we have got to know them over the years.

In addition to the scheduled visits, I loved joining the carol singers at Christmas time and helping to plan and take part in seasonal services in the day room.  We needed a keyboard which my husband was able to source.  When Rosemary, a fellow volunteer was on holiday , we also needed a keyboard player.  I managed to get someone from our Church to come along and this led to several of our choir members coming too which boosted the singing at Easter, Harvest Festival and Christmas.  One Easter was very memorable when Robin Pfaff arranged for a donkey to visit.  The patients and staff loved it …..So did I”.

Written by Chaplaincy Volunteer Jill Deane

“I volunteered because of seeing how isolated and alone people were in hospital, despite the busyness of the ward.  Giving people time is important and demonstrates their worth.  It is something each of us can do.  In training, one particular experience stands out.  I was shadowing a volunteer early on a Sunday morning at MPH as we went from bed to bed offering communion to those who had requested this.  One gentleman, in a side room, was awaiting surgery and in obvious distress.  He felt too unwell to take communion, but accepted our prayer for him.  The peace that entered him was palpable.  Just a few minutes, just a few words.

Since lockdown and phoning a couple of people, flexibility and patience are needed.  Hospital phones may not connect, the person may be tired, washing or otherwise not available, can’t hear easily or just not well enough to talk.  In the community, visitors, workmen in the home and unavailability are the main hurdles.  It has been a joy to have meaningful conversation when it all comes together.

Written by Chaplaincy Volunteer Hilary Allen