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

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

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.

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