Scottish Association of Chaplains in Healthcare, News Sheet 8 December 2001

I consider ongoing training and professional development as an important ingredient in effectively raising my own standards for the chaplaincy service, which I provide as part of the team at Yorkhill NHS Trust Glasgow. However, to realistically achieve that I had to apply for funding from several sources. One such source was through SACH’s new Training and Development Fund.
At present I am in my second year of a four year part-time Taught Masters in Theology at the University of Glasgow. The course I am studying this year concentrates on the latest developments in Religious Pluralism. This is particularly relevant in the currently explicit developments of the Multi-faith Spiritual Care Agenda proposed by the Scottish Executive. In Yorkhill NHS Trust we aim to provide equal care for all. Therefore, when the Trust interprets for 56 languages for people with a diversity of world faiths it is helpful to ask, “How does a chaplain from the Christian faith understand their role as a multi-faith facilitator?”
I have one more taught subject next year that could focus on subjects such as Ethics and Medicine or Buddhism. The final year will be a dissertation that will hopefully address my own context of Yorkhill NHS Trust.
This type of plan would not have been so attainable if it were not for the establishing of this fund by SACH. It shows the foresight of the Executive, who now enable hospital chaplains to access funds to help finance the training needed to raise the professional standing of chaplains within the NHS.

Alister Bull
Chaplain, Yorkhill NHS Trust

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Contents of News Sheet 8

Training and Development Fund

The SACH Executive has set aside money as a Training and Development Fund and 20% of all future income will be allocated to keep it topped up.
Applications for assistance with training or development projects from this fund. should be made in writing to the Treasurer:

Rev Keith Saunders,
Chaplain’s Office, Western Infirmary, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6NT

giving full relevant details of the proposed course of study and the costs involved.
SACH seeks to uphold and promote a Chaplaincy service which is always endeavouring to raise effectiveness and quality in its delivery. By adopting such a scheme as this, we recognise the responsibility of supporting chaplains in their ongoing personal development to be equipped for this task and the high standard of ministry and service exercised.

Jean Vanier to Visit Aberdeen

L'ARCHE

I am grateful to my colleagues for allowing me to take the odd “hour out” of chaplaincy over the past few months. Four o’clock on a Monday afternoon is Vanier time. Let me explain. In January 2002 (25th-27th) Jean Vanier, founder of l’Arche and Faith and Light, is coming to Aberdeen. Having spent a year as an assistant in the Edinburgh l’Arche community, I was delighted to be asked to join an ecumenical group to plan the visit. We’re looking forward to a weekend of public talks, workshops and worship, all centered on the theme of Becoming Human. Jean Vanier is a charismatic figure, full of warmth and kindness. He has a lovely sense of humour and is a captivating story-teller. I realise that for many of you Aberdeen is not very accessible, but if anyone would like more information, please let me know.

Monica Stewart
Assistant Chaplain, Grampian University Hospitals

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Contents of News Sheet 8

John Banks Retires

Every good wish to John Banks who is retiring very soon from his post as Chaplain at the Ailsa Hospital in Ayr.