charity number 1094766
Pastoral Care Project
In 1989, I was leading a Spiritual Development programme (Light Out of Darkness written by Sr Kathleen O’Sullivan SSL) and the theme of that particular week was ‘finding God in my weakness’, Romans 8.26-27. I met a lady with dementia in an EMI (Elderly and Mentally Infirm) Ward at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, while visiting as a church volunteer. She was also blind and yet seemed to have an awareness which captured my attention. She couldn't remember her name – and yet she had this great awareness of God and others. Reflecting on the scripture and the visit, I became aware of how special and unique each person is. The visit highlighted that God still communicates his love through people with dementia and that listening was the way of understanding and meeting their spiritual needs. This was an inspirational visit, which led to the Project taking off in 1994, after many years of prayer and research.
Frances Molloy, Project Manager
Our Work
Carers - The Quiet Days for Carers booklet is a valuable resource for people to work from.
Awareness Sessions - The Project works at Diocesan, Deanery and Parish level, through the provision of awareness sessions, seminars and days of reflection for existing and new pastoral groups. In house training is provided for care homes.
Ministry - The Project enables churches/groups to lead services of worship in care settings. This is vital for the frail elderly who are unable to attend their churches where they have been worshipping for many years.
Schools - Working with the Birmingham Diocesan Schools Commision and the Religious Education Department, the Project has created age relevant PowerPoint Presentations for use in schools.
Training - VOICE Cafe and SINGING Cafe a valuable course for care staff and volunteers to enhance communications skills and develop confidence.
DVD - "Spiritual Care In Confusion", a dvd produced by the Pastoral Care Project from their conference of the same name. Speakers on the DVD include Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Dr Alice Bullen, Sandra Screaton, Sheevan Sparkes, Frances Molloy and Rev Martin Hathaway.
"We found your work to be impressive and inspirational - a perfect example of the Church at work outside the Church building. It is wonderful to hear from someone who has been actively involved in this field for so many years" Gen Sec. to Conference of Religious in Scotland 2008.
If you would like further information about the Pastoral Care Project, our main website is www.pastoralcareproject.org.uk
