A new scheme to help churches combat loneliness in their communities was launched by Christian charity Counties in April.
Neighbourhood Chaplains aims to equip and encourage church volunteers to reach out to people in their neighbourhoods through house-to-house work.
It involves volunteers from churches attending three initial training sessions covering areas such as listening skills, pastoral care, safe practice, referral issues and biblical principles. It also includes a toolkit for churches and a branded uniform. Volunteers can choose to be involved in three roles: initial contacts, who knock on doors; befrienders, who then become regular visitors; part of the helping hands team, offering practical help
Martin Erwin, CEO at Counties, said: ‘The aim is to show the love of Jesus in both word and action. It gives local churches the tools to connect their community projects (such as CAP, food banks, parents and toddlers, coffee mornings, etc.) with the vast numbers of lonely people in the UK. It will offer a friendly face through a regular visit, a listening ear and helping hands.’
Transparently faith based
Neighbourhood Chaplains is transparently faith-based and evangelistic, with volunteers being trained on how and when to offer the option for their neighbours to investigate the Christian faith in suitable and appropriate ways, but only if they want to.
‘Volunteers will be trained to share the good news as they listen and answer people's questions. They will be equipped with resources, such as a ‘Welcome to your new home’ card and literature that shares the love of God in celebrating key Christian events such as Easter and Christmas. The Christian faith will never be imposed on anyone and Neighbourhood Chaplains will respect freedom of personal choice.’
One person who received help from a Neighbourhood Chaplain said: ‘He taught me things from the Bible and I can deal with things a lot easier now I’m following Jesus; I don’t have to fight and rage, I am settled and happy.’ The training programme is currently being run in six regions around the country.
