ACTS OF FAITH

By Steve Murphy

Pilgrimage To Mecca

How chaplains and volunteers are working together to support patients, carers and staff. No matter who they are or what they believe.

“This whole experience, was a time of reflection, connection with Allah, prayer, spiritual healing, and unity among the global Muslim community,” he said.

For many of us, being hospitalised can be a time of crisis. This is especially true when it comes to mental health care, says Niall Cotter who heads up Mersey Care’s chaplaincy. “Patients and service users often want or need help as they try to make sense of what’s happening to them, of what’s going on. As chaplains this is something we deal with almost every day.”

For Niall – who leads a team of individuals from different faiths, life experiences and backgrounds, including mental health nursing, social work, teaching and involvement in community faith – it’s a role he sees as being relevant, important and a privilege.

And while chaplains from recognised world religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity focus on leading rituals and services tailored to their own respective faith groups, Niall is keen to stress the inclusive nature of his team’s approach.

“We’re here to serve everyone equally; the person standing or sitting in front of us, regardless of their religion or beliefs. People who find themselves in inpatient care can struggle with issues around their identity and their purpose. Sometimes they need support and guidance in areas such as managing difficulties in relationships or dealing with guilt from past or current actions and events. They need to know that they don’t have to struggle alone. They need to know that we’re here to help.”

He speaks not just as a health care professional but also from the heart; from his own recent lived experience of being admitted to hospital and being treated for cancer.

“I’d been a mental health nurse for over 12 years when this happened, and I was used to being in control of a ward and yet here I was, and I wasn’t in control. And whilst my consultant was confident that my treatment would be successful, there was always a doubt in my mind that they could be mistaken. After all no one’s infallible.”

It was during his hospital stay and treatment that he realised that his situation didn’t just impact upon him; it had a similar impact on his family. He believes that his own time as a hospital patient made him “more aware of the people I cared for, including our staff who are affected by issues both in their personal lives and in their professional roles. They also need support.”

Others too recognise the important work of the chaplains – they are supported by a strong and dedicated team of volunteers. Niall’s quick to point out that across the Trust it’s the chaplaincy that gets the highest number of volunteers. Like the rest of the team, volunteers come from all walks of life, with different experiences and beliefs – or none at all. “No doubt about it,” says Niall, “they’re our unsung heroes.”

See page 34 for more wellbeing tips from our Chaplains.

More Help

The chaplaincy team can be contacted for spiritual support or any further enquiries on spirit@merseycare.nhs.uk.

Take a tip from our chaplains. Niall and Fahmid have given us some small steps that can have a big impact.

Do Something For Yourself

From enjoying your favourite hobby, learning something new or simply taking time to relax, it’s important to do things that make you happy, like trying a new hobby or learning a new skill.

Talk To Someone You Trust

Keep A Journal

Keeping a diary or journal that explores thoughts and feelings surrounding the events of your life is said to be helpful. Journaling, in this context, is not the same as simply recording the events in your life, like keeping a log.

‘GREEN’ EXERCISE IMPROVES MENTAL HEALTH

Exercising in nature can give a quick and significant boost to your mental health, improving your mood and self esteem

Contact Your Gp

They are geared to help tackle mental health issues.

Once an issue is brought to light it is out there and the process of healing has begun.

like: nhs.uk/every-mind-mattersandmind.org.uk

Celebrate Who You Are

Or as poet, philosopher and scholar, John O’Donohue, writes in his book Anam Cara, “May you recognise in your life the presence, power and light of your soul. May you realise that you are never alone, that your soul in your brightness and belonging connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe. May you have respect for your own individuality and difference.”