Wellbeing+Chaplaincy+Faith

Chaplains offer important pastoral wellbeing and healthcare in many contexts: Business, Education, Hospitality&Events, Emergency Services, Retail and Transport et al. Recognising the intersectional relationships with #FaithOutsideWalls we now offer this significant e-gathering zoom facility - mindful we need to extend ‘virtual hands of friendship and support… everywhere’. Chaplains in all settings also need to care for themselves… This conference if for all Chaplains, lay or ordained: offering ministry in any context.

Mental Health and Wellness, in particular, is being voiced with significant concern. The weekend following this webinar is World Mental Health Day. Therefore, we hope this initiative will help our collaborative Chaplaincy settings raise the profile of Wellbeing and Chaplaincy and offer wider real support to many… Perhaps the experience of Chaplains can help in widening cultural and contextual understandings in this fast-moving context.

We have invited keynote speaker:

Dr Justin Varney - Director Public Health – Birmingham

With multifaceted experience conceiving, developing, and launching programmes and strategies that aim to address inequalities and marginalised communities at scale and pace. Justin has extensive public sector experience and a proven ability to build partnerships and facilitate change in the NHS, Voluntary and Community Sector, as well as experience building innovative relationships with the private and commercial sector. He is recognised as a catalyst speaker to elevate social and professional awareness to improve outcomes and shift thinking - in the UK and Internationally. Recognised and awarded as a champion of diversity & inclusion, with a passion to improve society in ways that are sustainable and lasting.

We are also pleased that these key opinion formers have agreed to contribute to the conference:

Doctor Mahshid Turner - Muslim Chaplain for Durham University

The first female Muslim Chaplain appointed in a UK University. Co-Dir Int Foundation for Muslim Theology; Co-Chair for Durham University BAME. Several degrees in Social Sciences, Mental Health, Teaching, and Public Health Sciences and a published author.

Keith Simons MBE - Prison Lay Chaplain

Lay Chaplain for Jewish prisoners with UK Prisons since 1988. Chair, Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service offering wealth of valuable insight in listening sympathetically to inmates. Using festivals, exhibitions & speakers as anchor points helps positive involvement and focus for good.

Matthew Gordon - CEO of SPECTRA and Founder of National CareLeavers Foundation

A Department of Education nationally funded programme based out of Wolverhampton. Matthew is a passionate ambassador for Chaplaincy and is a Seventh Day Adventist Church member. He offers Chaplaincy ministry supporting the NEC Group and strong links with Newman’s University.

Carol Wilson - Head of Spiritual Care – Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust

Leading a longstanding interfaith team of 25 Chaplains covering 85 satellites sites in the West Midlands. Carol comes from a mental healthcare practitioner foundation and is frequently called upon to speak of her diverse ground-breaking experience in Chaplaincy and Wellbeing.

Revd David Ryan - Chaplain at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, part of the Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust

Often providing emotional and spiritual care for patients and their families. This has been heightened during the pandemic - being a bridge when visiting has not been possible. Crucially, supporting staff, providing time and space has become especially important.

Dr Chris Swift - Director of Chaplaincy at Methodist Homes (MHA)

Chris is an Anglican Priest with particular interests in ageing - with a Team of 140 Chaplains. Holding a long career in the NHS, he headed development of national Chaplaincy guidelines for NHS England, 2015. In 2019 he was awarded a Visiting Professorship at Staffordshire University.

This webinar is supported by both the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury and Birmingham Districts of the Methodist Church in Britain.