Wellbeing
We respect the value and dignity of each person within the church and seek to reach out, nurture and support all who are part of the Body of Christ. Chester Diocese offers a number of services which include: therapeutic counselling, consultative support for clergy and licensed workers, mediation, and training through the IME/CME training programmes for clergy and pastoral workers.
The Diocesan Wellbeing group comprises:
Liz Geddes – Director of Human Resources & Deputy Diocesan Secretary: liz.geddes@chester.anglican.org T: 07918 732808Christine Broad – Dean of Women in Ministry: Christine.Broad@oxtonstsaviour.co.uk T: 0151 678 4825Peter Mackriell – Head of Counselling Services: peter.mackriell@chester.anglican.org T: 07918 732806Jonathon Green – Director of Foxhill: jonathon.green@chester.anglican.org: T 01928 733777Lesley Currie – Dean of women in Ministry and Associate Minister, All Saints’ Marple: lesley.currie@allsaintsmarple.co.uk
There are many avenues of support available. The details of help available can be found below:
The Supporting Good Mental Health booklet from the Church of England contains some daily reflections to provide hope, reassurance and comfort. It includes 'Have a go habits' to help you develop resilience and skills in dealing with isolation, struggles and busyness. It challenges you to be honest with yourself about how you are feeling day by day, and provides scripture and prayers to use in different situations.
Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme
The Diocese of Chester has partnered with Health Assured to provide an Employee Assistance Programme (despite the fact that clergy are not technically employees) for all clergy - stipendiary and SSMs - and Church House staff. The programme provides a free 24-hour confidential helpline, as well as proactive advice on matters such as families issues; legal information; medical information; financial information; stress and anxiety; bereavement; and addiction issues.
Prayer
If you would simply appreciate the opportunity to pray with someone, please contact Jonathon Green at Foxhill, on 01928 733777, 07513 170210 or E: jonathon.green@chester.anglican.org
The Diocese works with Thrive Worldwide who provide support with employees and clergy who may need additional support. There is access to support from an Occupational Consultant and a Consultant Psychologist. If you feel you would benefit from their services, please contact:Liz Geddes E: liz.geddes@chester.anglican.org
Counselling
Counselling services are coordinated by Peter Mackriell, Head of Counselling Services and include both individual counselling and peer support. Peter will put you in touch with a counsellor suited to your particular needs. Alternatively, he can advise on other counselling agencies which may be better placed to provide help. A counselling session lasts for about an hour. The number and frequency of sessions varies greatly from client to client and can be discussed at the first appointment.
Who is it for?
Chester Diocesan Counselling Service is open to clergy, their families and church members within the Anglican churches of the Diocese of Chester.
How can counselling help?
Who are the counsellors?
Our counsellors are professionally qualified, many being involved in counselling in secular settings. All are members of one of the national bodies for counselling or psychotherapy. Most belong to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), some to the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC), or the United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapists (UKCP). As such they work to that organisation’s Code of Ethics and are subject to its complaints procedures. They are committed Christians who offer their skills and a portion of their time on a voluntary basis. As counsellors they do not impose their own values or beliefs upon clients. They are, however, well placed to include the spiritual, religious and Christian dimension into the counselling process if the client indicates a wish for it.
How do I contact the service?
Contact Peter Mackriell (Head of Counselling Services) by email or by telephoning his dedicated, confidential number: 07918 732 806.
Further Information
Inter-Diocesan Counselling Service
Confidential counselling for clergy and immediate families, independent of the diocesan structures, but which has their support. Available within the Dioceses of Blackburn, Carlisle, Chester, Liverpool and Manchester.
This is a national network of advisers in pastoral care and counselling within Anglican churches. It includes an on-line directory of contacts in different dioceses.