Chaplaincy in focus Andrew Buchanan One man’s journey from police to paramedic, train driver to chaplain… In 1881 Railway Mission was founded to provide pastoral care and support for railway staff. One hundred and forty years later the charity is still supporting the railway community through a dedicated team of railway chaplains. From the North of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, from the Welsh coast to the Humber, chaplains provide a valuable, proactive support network for the railway industry. During the ‘COVID-19 Lockdown’ last year, Andrew Buchanan joined the Railway Mission team as the chaplain for the South West of England. Andrew says: ‘It is a privilege to have been called to
take up the role as a Railway Mission representative and chaplain for the railway industry and British Transport Police for the South West of England.” Andrew has found a recurring theme prominent in many of his discussions with railway staff and senior leadership teams. Irrespective of the company or organisation, there is a real focus in the railway community on Health and Well-Being. Companies of all sizes have recognised the need to support the mental health of industry colleagues. Regardless of the role colleagues may perform, everyone deserves to be cared for and listened to when it comes to their mental well-being. All of the chaplaincy team brings a wealth of ‘life-lived experience’ to the role of Railway Mission chaplain. But Andrew brings
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