History

In 1989, I was leading a Spiritual Development programme (Light Out of Darkness written by Sr Kathleen O’Sullivan SSL) and the theme of that particular week was ‘finding God in my weakness’, Romans 8.26-27. I met a lady with dementia in an EMI (Elderly and Mentally Infirm) Ward at the George Eliot Hospital in Nuneaton, while visiting as a church volunteer. She was also blind and yet seemed to have an awareness which captured my attention. She couldn't remember her name – and yet she had this great awareness of God and others. Reflecting on the scripture and the visit, I became aware of how special and unique each person is. The visit highlighted that God still communicates his love through people with dementia and that listening was the way of understanding and meeting their spiritual needs. This was an inspirational visit, which led to the Project taking off in 1994, after many years of prayer and research.
Frances Molloy, Project Manager

Our Work

Carers - Day of prayer for dementia will be a comfort for carers. The National Day of Prayer for Dementia will be on the 19th March and resources can be found on the website www.dayofprayerfordementia.org.uk.

Awareness Sessions - The Project works at Deanery and Parish level, through the provision of awareness sessions, seminars and days of reflection for existing pastoral groups. In house training is provided for care homes.

Ministry - The Project organises and lead services of worship in care settings. This is vital for the frail elderly who are unable to attend their churches where they have been worshipping at for many years of their lives. At the end of a Service of Remembrance on 11th November, a resident said to one of our team "I haven't taken Communion for many years, do you think God will forgive me?"

Schools - During one of our workshops at a local school, one boy responded in his evaluation to the scripture 'You are precious to me and I love you' with the words 'I didn't know, but I will never forget this'.

Training - Volunteers and groups would value the VOICE Cafe and SINGING cafe courses. These focus on increasing confidence when using the voice in a variety of settings or on a one to one.

DVD - The Project has produced a DVD "Spiritual Care In Confusion", from the conference of the same name. Speakers on the DVD include Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Dr Alice Bullen and Rev Martin Hathaway. "We found your work to be impressive and inspirational - a perfect example of the Church at work outside the Church building. It is wonderful to hear from someone who has been actively involved in this field for so many years" Gen Sec. to Conference of Religious in Scotland 2008.

“It is so fulfilling to see that the twenty years of pioneering work of spiritual care is being more widely recognised. We are insired by Luke 4.18-19 The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release for prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind; to free the broken-hearted and to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour."Fr Michael Gamble, Chairman.

 

Pastoral Care Project Registered Charity Number 1094766
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