Mental Health Chaplaincy in the UK During COVID-19

A Personal Reflection

Authors

  • Graham Peacock Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.41803

Keywords:

COVID-19, Mental Health Chaplaincy

Abstract

The response to COVID-19 in the United Kingdom led to dramatic changes in the nature and practice of healthcare chaplaincy; arguably the greatest changes have been in the area of mental health chaplaincy. This article provides a personal reflection by a mental health chaplain describing the effects on them, their practice, and their NHS Trust. It shows that chaplains are adapting to these changes. A conclusion outlines possible future responses, since the changing healthcare landscape will continue to be affected by this pandemic for some time to come.

Author Biography

  • Graham Peacock, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust

    Rev. Graham Peacock has been a Mental Health Chaplain for over five years across a variety of sites and community settings in largely rural areas of North Yorkshire. Prior to that, he worked for over 15 years as a Methodist Minister in North Wales and North Yorkshire. For nine years he also worked as a Housing Officer and Manager across a variety of inner and outer area housing estates in Oldham.

References

https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/nhs-chaplaincy-guidelines-2015.pdf p18

Ibid p19

Nouwen H, 1979,1999 The Wounded Healer, London: DLT .The book was given to me over twenty years ago when I began full time ordained ministry. I have found that it is something that I have often returned to subsequently.

Newitt M, 2011,in Threlfall-Holmes M and Newitt M, Being a chaplain, London: SPCK p106

Ibid p106

Bierbaum R in Fletcher J (ed), Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care in Mental Health Settings, London, Jessica Kingsley p98

Swinton J 2019,ibid p9

Nouwen, ibid p100

Downloads

Published

2020-09-14

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2020): Special Issue: COVID-19

Section

Professional Reflection

License

© Equinox Publishing Ltd.

For information regarding our Open Access policy, click here.

How to Cite

Peacock, G. (2020). Mental Health Chaplaincy in the UK During COVID-19: A Personal Reflection. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 8(2), 223-230. https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.41803