| Dear <<First Name>>, Covid and our response to Covid is a constantly changing landscape. As I write, England has moved from full lockdown to a newly defined Tier system with the vast majority in Tiers 2 and 3. Northern Ireland is in another full lockdown and Wales has introduced tighter restrictions. Scotland has now placed eleven areas in its highest tier, level 4. We are clear about the rules relating to Christmas but many may decide to exercise caution and significantly restrict any family gatherings. Today we are told that the Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the UK MHRA and that the Oxford vaccine is in the final stages of being assessed. It is within this constantly evolving background that our Police service must carry out its role. A role which has at its heart the concept of ‘policing with consent’, but which is now to be carried out within context of public expressions of anger, frustration, fear and unutterable weariness. In such a culture it is no surprise that many officers and staff find their job and their public interactions even more stressful. At no other time in the past has Chaplaincy been more important for the mental health and well-being of all staff. But by the same token at no other time has it been so difficult to provide a physical presence at the same time as providing a Covid secure interaction. This issue has been compounded by the knowledge that many police staff are working from home which brings it own pressures and sense of isolation.
So, Chaplaincy is important, but how do we fulfil our role, how do we maintain a presence and an accessibility. It calls for a new approach and a fresh look at the how of our role. You will have your own thoughts and your own approaches, but here are some of my own thoughts: - A regular slot in Force Orders/bulletins reminding about your ‘virtual’ presence
- An appropriate use of social media to engage and hear what is happening with our own Force and area of responsibility
- An openness to use one-line platforms such as Zoom and Teams
- The use of skype and WhatsApp to provide some face to face presence
These are just a few thoughts, but you will have more. Please be innovative in your Chaplaincy and keep your presence constantly before the men and women you serve, and it you have tried successful approaches please share them through our website.
Perhaps, when as vaccine arrives things will begin to ease, but I suspect that the landscape will have changed, and we may need to continue with a blended chaplaincy of physical presence and online engagement.
As we approach the Christian celebration of Christmas, I am conscious that lockdown has affected or will affect all the festivals of many world faith such as Eid, Diwali, Hannukah etc. Whatever faith tradition you hold may I offer you over the coming weeks you may experience with even greater clarity the peace and presence of God.
Let me just end with a heartfelt thank you to you all for all your efforts over the past months and for the ways your own prayer life has sustained your ministry and those you serve.
Keep safe and go with God
Charles | 
