1. By encouraging ordinary Christians and their churches to see the importance
   of work life in the daily ministry of each Christian.

   

   Revd Helga Cornell 

   WORKCARE Team Leader

2. By recruiting and maintaining chaplains in a number of workplaces, including industry, commerce and the emergency services. 

• WORKCARE is an ecumenical Christian agency, a licensed LEP, with charitable status, run by a Board of representatives of the Christian churches in Coventry and Warwickshire.
• A team of associates provide workplace chaplaincy to a range of industries and public services. They are a mix of ordained ministers and lay people. They have a considerable fund of skills and expertise. We recruit from the mainstream churches, these currently include the member churches of CTCW (Churches Together Coventry & Warwickshire).
• We have had a major project active in the Coalfield communities of North Warwickshire, funded by the Coalfield Regeneration Trust. Its key worker, Kay Aldersley was the Faith Communities Regeneration Support Officer and is still involved in similar project. She works closely with CVS’s, voluntary groups, local councils and the faith communities. More information from our offices of from Kay Aldersley.
• DIRFT/Magna Park/Rugby Logistics. An exciting project came on stream in 2008 funded by the URC & Methodist Churches to deliver chaplaincy to the main employers in these locations working in the Freight/Logistics and warehousing Industries the key growing employment of our region. It is run by Malcolm Fife who is also a URC minster in Lutterworth.
• Multi-Faith/Inter-Faith Project- to explore new ways of working and delivering workplace support in an increasingly multi-faith/cultural environment. Robert Maloney works half a day a week on this.
• A new team-leader to replace Graham Hardwick will be based at Nuneaton & Bedworth URC’s and will seek to develop a new, town centre (ecumenical) approach to local church ministry and be ½ time team leader for WORKCARE.

Why do we do it?

• The mission of the Christian Churches is to be in the world and not just in the churches. We believe that our engagement, largely through local church ministers and members (as chaplains) places the Churches where people are, and where perhaps their most important activity takes place, the workplace.
• We believe also that the Churches should be aware of and engaged with the wider economy and the issues that should concern the whole Christian, and wider faith community.
• We believe the churches should include in their regular pattern of worship prayers and teaching that affirms their members and their communities and the work they do. It should offer support and concern at times of closures, job losses.
• We believe the support of people within their working lives is an important contribution to wellbeing at work, absenteeism and stress.

What do we offer through our Chaplains?

• The presence of a chaplain who will visit regularly and be known by the workforce providing pro-active as well as reactive care.
• An independent person offering confidential support and may also offer counselling services (where properly trained and supported).
• Training in work related issues.
• Involvement at all levels if required.
   
   
   
   

What are our aims?

• Our aim is to support people in the workplace without regard to ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or faith.
• We work to a code of conduct and are always seeking to raise the standard o f the services we offer by whatever means are available to us.
• We are actively seeking to build interfaith relationships. We have a list of contacts among the leaders of other faith communities and can refer those people who come to us wanting to speak to a leader of their own faith community.
   

Who pays?

• Companies pay a fee for our services.
• The churches of CTCW (Churches Together in Coventry and Warwickshire).
• Specially funded projects receive special support to make them viable, we apply for these funds and can only proceed with their guaranteed support.

Would your company like a Chaplain?

• An informal conversation, without commitment is often the best approach
• We can tailor the chaplaincy to the way that your organisation works
• We will recruit a suitable candidate