Clergy wellbeing

Support for you and your family

We are fearfully and wonderfully made... we know this in our heads but it is hard to make that knowledge a lived reality when the cares of the world and the demands of ministry can at times make us struggle with our own wellbeing. Below are some resources and information about wellbeing. In addition, we are seeking to appoint some volunteer Wellbeing Chaplains who can act as a listening ear independent of the diocesan structure and help signpost to relevant sources of help. If you are interested in this role, please contact the Bishop's Chaplain, Rev'd Dr Emma Whittick (emmawhittick@cinw.org.uk).

Who do I go to for support?

Clergy are encouraged in the first instance to contact their MAL or Archdeacon for any wellbeing needs. In addition, they may approach the Bishop's Chaplain if they would prefer to talk to someone outside their immediate context. Lay staff should make contact with their line managers or the Diocesan Secretary.

What might that support look like?

Support comes in many forms. For some people they may just need a chat and the opportunity to pray with someone. Others may need more formal support such as counselling. Limited financial support is available from the Clergy Support Trust and other charities.

How can I help myself?

Please make sure you are balancing your workload in accordance with the Clergy Terms of Service and Clergy Handbook, which means taking enough rest, a regular day off and annual leave. Clergy may also take some retreat time each year.

Engaging positively with the MDR process will help identify any wellbeing issues early and give opportunity to discuss them with a colleague. Having a Spiritual Director provides the opportunity to be prayerfully guided as you navigate the demands of ministry. Please contact Rev'd Nigel Doyle (nigeldoyle@cinw.org.uk) who coordinates our team of Spiritual Directors if you would like to either offer or receive Spiritual Direction.

For clergy families there is a newly formed support group. Please contact the Bishop's Chaplain for more details.

What other resources are available to me?

  • Clergy Support Trust

    The Clergy Support Trust supports Anglican clergy and their families in all kinds of ways, not least with financial grants and help with counselling.

    Website: www.clergysupport.org.uk

  • Cynnal

    Cynnal is the Churches Counselling Service in Wales and it provides an excellent, completely confidential counselling service for all ministers of religion and their families.

    Website: www.cynnal.uk/
    Tel: 0779 646 4045

  • GoHealth

    The Guild of Health and St Raphael (GoHealth) is an ecumenical Christian charity providing online courses and other resources to help with good health and wellbeing.

    Website: gohealth.org.uk

  • Llangasty Retreat House

    Llangasty Retreat House is a Christian centre for retreats, conferences and study groups, set in surroundings of peace, beauty and tranquillity.

    Website: llangasty.com

  • St Luke's for Clergy Wellbeing

    St Luke's supports the psychological wellbeing of clergy and their families. Some of our diocesan family have undertaken pastoral supervision training through St Luke's, and this ministry will be rolled out across the diocese.

    Website: stlukesforclergy.org.uk
    Tel: 020 4546 7000

  • The Sheldon Hub

    The Sheldon Hub is a safe online resource hub for clergy, offering mutual support and signposting to resources of all kinds.

    Website: sheldonhub.org
    Tel: 01647 252752