Today, on the International Day of Prayer for the Emergency Services, let's unite in gratitude and support for those who risk their lives daily to keep us safe. Regardless of your faith or beliefs, take a moment to pray or reflect on their courage and dedication.
The Rev Steve Parker reflects on his upcoming retirement
"It’s been an emotional process discerning whether to retire as Lead Chaplain for Staffordshire Police, but this is the right time.
Police Chaplaincy has been an amazing ministry for the past eight years and a big part of my life.
It has been a privilege to journey alongside so many colleagues in times of both joy and deep sadness. This ranges from blessing a wedding, open days, the 3Cs (Cuppa, Cake and Chat) to those very sad occasions of officiating at funerals and Memorial Services. Throughout this, I am proud to call so many friends.
I thank Staffordshire Police for allowing me such free access to all areas of the Force and for the friendships made. Also, for allowing me to attend so many meetings that support colleagues and help move the Force forward.
By summer 2024, Andy Paget will have completed 28 years as a force chaplain with Avon & Somerset Police and more than 22 years as Lead Chaplain. His service began in 1996 when he was appointed as chaplain to the Central Bristol District. Within a few years, with the merger of three districts, it became the third largest BCU in the country.
Andy served for over ten years on the National Exec of what was then The National Association of Chaplains to the Police (now PCUK) as South West Regional Coordinator. Together with David Wilbraham, and after several visits to Wales, he assisted at the birth of the Dyfed Powys Police Chaplaincy.
Andy leads a team of fourteen volunteer chaplains, serving the six and a half thousand members of Avon & Somerset’s police family. He also coordinates the A&S victim-focused multi-faith response to major emergencies. Last year, his team serving the Command & Control Department won the Volunteer Team of the Year Award, and were nominated for a further regional award. In May, Andy was given the Constabulary’s Outstanding Lifetime Service Award during a dinner at the Pump Rooms in Bath. He comments, “The mystery for me is how the organisation gets to know more than a small fragment of what we do. So much takes place off-the-radar, in the confidential space of one to one contact with individuals. Sometimes we feel that we are the Force’s best kept secret!”
The more visible face of chaplaincy appears during major incidents. This year, in a little over three weeks, A&SC has responded to six brutal murders—three fatal stabbings of juveniles and the murder of three young children, including a nine month old baby.
At a time when public confidence the Police seems to be hanging by a thread, Andy echoes what we all affirm: “Perhaps the greatest but often ‘unsung’ good news story is that, throughout the country, every day, the vast majority of police officers and staff are demonstrating their professionalism, their dedication to duty, their courage, their kindness and their compassion.”
On Monday, 5th June, I attended a team building day led by the Force Chaplain Steve Cowles. Gingerly, I met the team at a car park just outside Waddecar, the scout camp in Goosnargh. Tucked away in my rucksack were a couple of bottles of water, my lunch to be cooked and a waterproof jacket ready for the British weather. Steve met us and when everyone had arrived, we made our way along a path through the Scout Camp and into some private woods. which would be our base for the day in the wilderness, as I wondered what the day may involve, but the reason for being here was very clear.
Police Officers and Staff are no stranger to the stresses and challenges of the job. Long hours, high-pressure situations, and the weight of responsibility can all take a toll on our mental health. That's why it's important to take time to recharge and build resilience, and one way to do that is through team building days in the wilderness.
Building shelters, starting fires, and cooking food may seem like simple activities, but they can have a profound impact on your mental health. Here are just a few of the benefits of team building days in the wilderness:
In addition to these benefits, team building days in the wilderness can also be a lot of fun and I can honestly say that I really got a lot out of the day as did the team! Today provided an opportunity to get away from the office and spend time with colleagues in a relaxed, informal setting. No spoilers being given here regarding what to expect other than a great day in nature learning new skills.
So, if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider organising a team building day in the wilderness. Building shelters, starting fires, and cooking food may not be part of your job description, but they can be a valuable tool for improving your mental health and building resilience. Steve really sees the value that this day has brought to hundreds of police officers and staff, and continues to run these in his own time and at his own expense. I was very impressed with the set up and everyone that came along thoroughly enjoyed it.
Police Chaplaincy UK Chair and Master Certified Coach Claire Pedrick recently caught up and chatted about how Dom uses coaching in his work as a Lead Chaplain.
Dom attended a 'Transforming Conversations' course in 2018 and is working towards accreditation as coach with the 'International Coaching Federation'.
“Coaching is a conversation that is supportive and challenging, in which someone feels heard and knows things at the end that they did not know at the beginning that will make a tangible difference to what they do or feel or think”*
Dom uses these skills in his pastoral conversations and you can find out more about this on the podcast Claire and Dom recorded.
As I draw a breath at the completion of the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 I reflect on the opportunity for us as a team being able to make such a positive difference to so many people.
Our team included our West Midlands Police Multi Faith Chaplaincy team comprising of 131 voluntary chaplains and myself (John), Matthew Hopley (Lead Chaplain at Warwickshire Police) and his team and countless other volunteers ranging from Cadets, Police Staff and members of the public.
Our chaplaincy team were involved in a myriad of areas of support which included our 18 Staff Welfare Hubs where Police Officers had their rest periods, food breaks, briefing and interaction with our team. Other areas of chaplaincy involvement included driving, logistics, serving food and practical & spiritual help to all our officers/staff and the many mutual aid officers from up and down the country representing many of our UK Forces.
I (John) was privileged before the Games started to look after & drive a number of VIP’s from various countries who were preparing for special large events like the Paris Olympics, the Football World Cup, etc, to just mention a few. This ‘Police Observer Programme’ included visiting the various venues of the Commonwealth Games and observing the Security/Counter Terrorism provisions that we had made in the West Midlands area.
Our Chaplaincy team did a fantastic job taking the opportunity to welcome everyone and provide welfare and chaplaincy support in the many venues, residential areas and operational programmes linked to the Games.
All of our Chaplaincy team members thoroughly enjoyed participating in the above and our Senior Management teams felt that all of our assistance made a lot of difference to both the Police Officers welfare and the positive feeling/vibes that we got from the public.
The opportunity to be a part of what was to be the largest policing event that the West Midlands Police had experienced was not only fulfilling but exciting at the same time.
Chaplains across the county have been moved, like so many by the situation in the Ukraine and have been finding ways of responding and helping the officers and staff they care for, respond.
Minutes silences have been held, short services have taken place and peace vigils kept.
Chaplain George Hadley - Bedfordshire Lead Police Chaplain reflected in a message to his colleagues:
"The scale of the issue may feel overwhelming to us as the daily news bulletins show the situation in graphic detail, with so many harrowing personal stories of those caught at the centre of this what is a war against humanity. It is making many people feel afraid for the future and feel powerless to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end...
We pray that all involved, be granted wisdom and compassion for the people throughout the whole region and that the leaders clearly understand that there are no winners in this conflict and all humanity ultimately will lose, so please step back.
For anyone who is interested in finding out more on the disease of alcoholism & those living with the problem drinker:
Helpline for Al Anon :
Call us free of charge on 0800 0086 811 from 10 am - 10 pm, 365 days a year. Please do not leave a message as, to ensure callers' confidentiality, we are unable to return calls.
Website for Al-Anon UK | For families & friends of alcoholics
Inter Faith Week 2021 2021 will take place in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from Sunday 14 to Sunday 21 November.
An ever-growing array of organisations participate, from faith groups and schools to sports organisations, local authorities, statutory services, cultural institutions, hospitals, and hospices.
The Week is a tremendous opportunity for police chaplaincies to develop good relations between and celebrate the diverse faiths and beliefs represented among police staff.
Below are a few activity ideas that police chaplaincies may be interested to consider for Inter Faith Week this year. These draw on successful activities held by chaplaincies in recent times. Most can be adapted, if needed, to be fully or partly virtual.
You can find further ideas for police forces here
Tell MAMA Ramadan 2021 Safety Tips
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The announcement by the Prime Minister of national lockdown measures will have implications for how Police Chaplaincy is delivered in forces and we have had some requests for advice and guidance to assist in making decisions.
Each individual force will have policies and procedures regarding COVID, both to deal with Operational response and also its own internal resilience and support. Chaplains should be aware of these. This advice, guidance and suggestions must be interpreted in the light of your own Force policy.
Officers and staff are under considerable pressure during these times and as Chaplains we are committed to offering whatever support we can to both individuals and the organisation. Guidance from Operation Talla just prior to Christmas recognised that chaplaincy is an important source of support.
Policing is clearly a vital service and even more so with the increased and complex demands of the current pandemic. Police Chaplaincy has an important role to play as part of the support structure that enables the force and individuals function and, if not already done so, it is vital for Lead Chaplains to have a conversation with your Senior Management Team as to how this can best be provided and enabled. Most forces are encouraging people to work from home where this is at all possible and there will be differences across forces as to whether the role of the Chaplain can be fulfilled away from the workplace. This may differ for the Lead Chaplain and the other members of a chaplaincy team.
Covid regulations allow volunteering and charitable work to continue. The Operation Talla guidance was to clarify that whilst some forces have, understandably, temporarily withdrawn volunteers, the role of the chaplaincy volunteers should be seen in the wider perspective of staff well being and where possible allow access to the workplace. However, just because you can does not mean you should. You must follow the guidance given by your Lead Chaplain or Chaplaincy Coordinator and keep them informed if you are requested visit stations or individuals.
Visibility - It is important that Police Chaplaincy remains visible.
This may be done by visits, but other ways should be considered.
Suggestions include;
Accessibility – how can people make contact?
Ensure that contact information for the Chaplaincy and your own details are up to date and accurate. Ask how this can be highlighted force wide and more locally [eg email; at briefings; via the force intranet]
Responsibility – ‘every contact leaves a trace’
Some Chaplains will need to self isolate because of their own vulnerability or that of relatives and not, at the current time, be able to offer their service. This is fine.
We should also be mindful of our personal responsibility to maintain operational resilience e.g. many forces are operating in ‘bubbles’ or separate teams. Visiting may well compromise that and contaminate – remember the forensic adage, ‘every contact leaves a trace’.
If you are physically present, either routinely or by specific request, strictly adhere to all guidance regarding PPE, hand-washing etc to maintain a COVID secure environment.
We hope this guidance is useful, thank you for all you do.
Charles Nevin - Chair, Police Chaplaincy UK
& PCUK Trustees
Police Chaplaincy UK is a registered Charity, number 1190186.
We have no full-time staff or office, but you may get in touch with us through any of the individuals named in "Contact Us".
