Despite pandemic restrictions curbing face-to-face ministry, the Anna Chaplaincy for Older People team at BRF have been far from idle. Investment in people has been the focus for the new year, with the launch of a new virtual Anna Chaplaincy training course, a programme of stand-alone training sessions on Zoom, online get-togethers for Anna Chaplains and for Anna Friends volunteers, and in-depth research into the work of Anna Chaplains.
New Anna Chaplaincy online course
Piloted in Kent by Anna Chaplaincy church lead Julia Burton-Jones, the new six-session course for those preparing to work as Anna Chaplains or Anna Friends is delivered by members of BRF’s Anna Chaplaincy team and their advisory group, with contributions from practising Anna Chaplains. The online course, which draws from The Anna Chaplaincy Handbook as its key resource, will be available four times during the year and is also being offered for local or regional Anna Chaplaincy groups.
To find out about Anna Chaplaincy training contact annachaplaincy@brf.org.uk.
Anna Chaplaincy surveys
Having completed our own survey into the work and impact of Anna Chaplains, we have now received the findings of an independent audit based on in-depth interviews with 15 Anna Chaplains, Anna Friends, older recipients of ministry and care-home personnel. We will be reporting on these soon.
For a taste of what Anna Chaplains get up to, check out Debbie Thrower’s blog, bringing together a wealth of ideas, resources, reflections, experiences and suggestions from around the network and elsewhere.
