Sometimes it can feel like I am alone…
Life can be tough. It is especially tough when we feel isolated or alone. Sometimes it can be tricky finding a safe place to talk. Did you know that many turn to the parish church because they know it is a sanctuary and refuge at the heart of our community?
There are all sorts of reasons for contacting us. These are only a few reasons, lately…
feeling afraid or unsafe in a relationship
feeling overwhelmed by school or life in general
struggling to support someone who is physically unwell
facing a debt or financial crises
suffering with the loss of a loved one
unsure where to turn for help
Each concern is important and the Pastoral Team is ready to assist anyone in our town who requests support. The Team is made up of volunteers trained to provide short-term emotional and spiritual assistance by coming alongside individuals in a time of crises to listen, provide support, and signpost to other agencies. All church volunteers are safely recruited and receive regular training. The church Pastoral Team is led by the Parish Nurse.
THe Parish Nurse
The Parish Nurse is Janet Mandley (picture above). Janet is a Registered Nurse with 16 years experience in GP surgeries and a further 13 years as a Diabetes Specialist for Cambridgeshire. As a member of the church, Janet now leads the Pastoral Team in partnership with the Diocese of Ely 2025 CMT Project. Janet is also a member of Parish Nursing UK which seeks to provide whole person healthcare through a local church community to enhance spiritual, mental, physical and social well-being by signposting to local services. Janet works in partnership with the Social Prescribers and the George Clare Surgery but is happy to pray with everyone when requested. If you would like to speak with Janet, the best place to do so is on Thursday mornings at the Bricstan Cafe.
The Bricstan Cafe
The Bricstan Cafe is a community meeting point. It is open on Thursday mornings from 10 until noon. It is a great place to bring a friend, or to try on your own. Coffee and refreshments are always free! There is always a warm welcome.
The Cafe Team of Volunteers are looking forward to meeting you. Alongside the Parish Nurse, others community services are also available. Come along to meet the following people:
Claire Grant - Director of Music and Arts (with a table of activities available)
Mary Hudson - Social Prescriber from George Clare Surgery
P3 Housing (to discuss tenancy agreements or utilities)
Northwest Anglia Training Hub (to discuss learning opportunities & courses)
Healthy You (to discuss mental well-being)
The Bricstan Hall is attached to Chatteris Parish Church and located around the back. Please walk around on the footpath and enter through the side glass door. We look forward to meeting you.
What other support does the Church offer?
Home Visits
Members of the Pastoral Care Team are available to regularly visit those unable to leave their home. They also lead services of worship regularly at local Care Homes. Members of the team are authorized to bring Holy Communion to homes and are happy to say prayers with you as requested. For those unable to attend services in person, Sunday services are also available on livestream. If you are concerned about someone at home and would like to arrange a visit for them please contact the Parish Nurse to arrange a visit.
CHatteris Resettlement HUB
Are you new to town, or new to the UK? If so, then perhaps we can help. The Resettlement Hub is a network which was originally set up to assist Ukrainian refugees after the Russian invasion. The Hub network helped Hosts to receive and resettle over 40 Ukrainians in Chatteris using the government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme. The Church Hub coordinated support from various agencies to provide emotional support, financial advice, English lessons, and practical help. Along the way we gained valuable experience which we have used to assist many others arriving from other counties. If you are new to the UK or new to town and looking for support with housing or finances, we can provide advice and signpost you to other agencies. Please get in touch.
Hospital Ministry
Going into the hospital can often be an unsettling experience. We would encourage you to request a visit from the NHS Chaplain during your stay. Chaplains are available to visit and pray with you. They can also offer practical support like sending messages to family members. The Revd James Thomson, married to our vicar Wendy, works in the Chaplaincy at Hinchingbrooke and occasionally at Peterborough Hospital too. He would be happy to hear from you on 01480 416416.
Annual Bereavement Service of comfort
Grief and grieving is our response to our loss through bereavement and we may feel overwhelmed and isolated at this time. It may be immediate or it may hit us months or years later. At times like this it is important to turn to someone who can provide a listening ear. It can be helpful to mark the anniversaries. You may also be interested to know that there is annual Bereavement service at the Church on the first Sunday of November, starting at 2:30 pm. This is a reflective time. The names of people who have died in the past year will be read out. There is an opportunity to light a candle and many people find it helpful. Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Bricstan Hall for tea and cakes where information is provided on forthcoming courses or groups for ongoing bereavement support.
The Bereavement Journey
The Bereavement Journey is a series of films shown within a discussion group that gently guides people (bereaved at any time) through the most common aspects of grief and bereavement, enabling them to process the implications for themselves and discern next steps. The Bereavement Journey is suitable for people of any faith or none. Topics include:
Attachment, separation and loss
The impact and pain of bereavement
Anger and guilt
Coping with others’ reactions
Adjusting to change
Delayed and suppressed grief
Moving forward healthily.
“It was a safe place to journey with others who had understanding and empathy around loss and grief.” For details about the next course, please contact our Parish Nurse: parishnurse@chatteris.org
Monthly Service of Healing
Every month there is an opportunity to receive individual prayers for healing with laying on hands. The service lasts for one hour. We begin with formal prayers before a musician leads our worship. It is a very informal and relaxed service in which we look for healing in the mind, body, and spirit in the presence of Jesus. Everyone is welcome.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11.28)
