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St Cuthbert’s has a
thriving Pastoral Care Team which was formalised in the spring
of 2003 as a result of a growing movement amongst Church
members, readily supported by Canon Hirst (who was vicar at the
time). Adrienne Kay was
asked to set up and lead a Training Course for Visitors entitled
‘Building a Caring Church’. The initial course was attended by
some fifteen parishioners. Numbers have since risen to over
thirty, most of whom have Enhanced CRB Clearance. Mrs Kay
continues in her rôle as Co-ordinator, accountable to the
Vicar.
The team is
organised into three house groups which meet regularly. From
early on, skills, capabilities and limitations were identified.
The purposes of the meetings are to provide a safe and
trustworthy forum for sharing experiences, to evaluate the work,
and to respond to developing needs. Home visits or telephone
calls, lifts to appointments or to Church, assistance with
shopping, filling in forms or writing letters are the main ‘good
neighbourly’ concerns. Confidentiality and the recording of
visits are always given the highest priority.
There are also
regular meetings of a Pastoral Care Team Support Group. This
group has nine members, three from each house group. Its
function is to act as a ‘think tank’ in providing direction
overall and to liaise with Canon Andrew on pastoral matters.
Each Support Group member receives a copy of the minutes of all
group meetings.
From time to time,
Training Days are held. Subjects – some involving invited
speakers – have included communication, loneliness,
disabilities, accepting and supporting life changes, hazards in
the home and elsewhere, and the rendering of simple First Aid.
Other activities
include the sending of cards conveying love and good wishes, a
prayer card and booklet, and cards for Easter and Christmas. The
Team also organises social events such as Tea Parties for
elderly parishioners and other local people. One of these is
planned for St George’s Day as part of the 175th
anniversary celebrations. The Team has provided information
files on welfare and other services available; these files are
kept at the back of church. A Team member supervises the
arrangements for names to appear on the Sick List and
subsequently checks on progress. By way of communication, there
is an occasional newsletter which is distributed to all members,
and articles are contributed to the Parish Magazine. The
updating of our section of the Parish website will always be a
work in progress. |
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