Oct 2024
Anna Chaplaincy celebrates 10 years with sponsored walk and service at Westgate House
Anna Chaplaincy members, Debbie Ducille, Ministry Lead, and Kate Arden-White, Pastoral Worker, (pictured above) visited Westgate House at the end of a 65-mile sponsored walk to celebrate Anna Chaplaincy’s 10-year anniversary as a national movement under the BRF Ministries. Debbie and Kate started their journey in Alton, Hampshire and walked to Westgate House in Wallingford.
Since being founded by Debbie Thrower, former BBC broadcaster, Anna Chaplaincy’s nationwide network has grown to nearly 400 Anna Chaplains. This expansion has been life-changing for older people across the UK, with thousands having their spiritual needs met each year by compassionate, trained, and safely recruited chaplains. The main purposes of Anna Chaplains are:
- Offering spiritual support to older people who are living in care homes and
sheltered housing complexes, their relatives and staff who look after them. - Promoting the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community,
particularly those facing challenges living independently.
Debbie and Kate were joined at Westgate House by Chaplain Wendy Moorin (with PAT dog Tilly) to lead a Christian worship service based on ‘Messy Vintage’. This is a form of worship for older people which can be adapted in any setting – in the community, in churches or in care homes, and complements their background or faith journey. It has come from the worldwide Messy Church movement, which is a fun and creative way of ‘being church’ for families from all kinds of backgrounds.
Debbie said: “It was such a pleasure to join residents, volunteers and staff at Westgate House and we felt very welcomed by everyone.
“Residents who participated in Messy Vintage were clearly enjoying themselves and willing to try new things as part of worship, which was wonderful to see. Our focus on this occasion was on learning from trees: they need to be rooted and grounded in order to flourish. This is a helpful picture for us as people, of how we can put down deep roots of faith that sustain us.”
During the service, residents made ‘mini trees’ of their own, and reflected on their favourite trees and childhood memories of climbing and scrumping!
At OSJCT, supporting residents' faith is a key part of what we do. Our Christian principles, rooted in our sponsors, Order of Malta and Order of St John, guide us in fostering emotional wellbeing and helping residents maintain a sense of purpose and identity.
Spiritual practices bring comfort and joy, as highlighted by the experience of Alison Andre, a volunteer pastoral assistant, and member of Anna Chaplaincy, at Coombe End Court an OSJCT care home in Marlborough. You can read her blog here.
Pastoral volunteering at Westgate House has developed over time, thanks to dedicated volunteer Graham Atkins. He describes his role as a ‘ministry of presence’.
Graham explained: “I often visit those who rarely leave their rooms. They appreciate a friendly face, a listening ear, and a break from routine. I started by leading church services twice a month. We now have a weekly Bible study for those interested. It gives me great joy to see residents at a service, especially when they join in singing familiar hymns. Just being with these wonderful people enhances my life as much as it enhances theirs.”
Opportunities to join OSJCT as a pastoral volunteer
At OSJCT, we are always on the lookout for more pastoral volunteers to support our residents. If you are a person of faith and feel called to share it, you will find this role immensely rewarding. Whether leading services, facilitating small groups, or offering one-to-one support, there are many ways to contribute. Talk to us about how your skills and experience can best meet our residents’ needs. To learn more, visit our website or email us at volunteer@osjct.co.uk.
About Anna Chaplaincy
For more information about Anna Chaplaincy visit Anna Chaplaincy | Offering spiritual care in later life