Chaplains stories: Vicki
The third in our series of chaplain's stories is kindly given to us by Vicki, whose relationship with Mildmay began over 70 years ago.
Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care
Like most hospital settings, we offer chaplaincy support and our voluntary chaplains, although at present are drawn from various Christian churches, will endeavour to ensure that all our clients/patients pastoral needs are met.
We agree wholeheartedly with Mildmay’s Vision and Mission statement: "that they may have life and have it in all its fullness" (John 10:10). Our main focus is to offer spiritual, pastoral, emotional and religious care to patients, clients, their families and friends, volunteers and visitors.
Our Hospital’s Foundation is Christian, thus ensuring that we welcome and respond to the needs of persons of all faiths and of none. In short, the chaplaincy presence touches all aspects of life at Mildmay, as the wellbeing of all individuals is our concern.
Our approach is distinctively inclusive, ensuring we enjoy working relationships with all at Mildmay, based on the knowledge that all persons are spiritual though not all are specifically religious. All our services are patient-centred and take into consideration their cultural, social and religious backgrounds.
Those we have cared for over the years have described how this faith has lent an extra dimension to our care, and it remains central to who we are as a charity.
We network and form helpful links with other faith-based organisations where appropriate.
Days and times of services
9.30am Morning Prayer:
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Wednesdays
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Thursdays and
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Fridays
Also by Zoom. Please join with the following meeting login:
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Meeting ID: 213 480 3406
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Password: chaplain
Lunchtime Service in the chapel, 12.00am
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Wednesdays
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Thursdays and
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Fridays
Mondays and Tuesdays
The chaplains on duty are free to invite clients and staff to pray at times that are convenient for them, for our clients and our staff. They are now engaging in pastoral care with individuals when this is requested.
Easing of COVID-restrictions
Although we continue to be aware of how we gather and are required to wear our masks, Covid restrictions have been lifted to a certain extent in England.
Here at Mildmay Mission Hospital our chapel services have resumed, especially on those occasions when we are fortunate enough to have a willing congregation requesting the same. Interestingly enough, the singing of hymns with volume and enthusiasm is now encouraged.
Our 1:1’s with clients in their own rooms are up and running.
Gradually our chaplains are returning to their normal volunteering role. Rev. Jide, one of our volunteer chaplains who was ordained last year will be here most Mondays from 10-1pm.
The chaplaincy team
If you would like to have a chat with a chaplain friend, please ask a nurse, care assistant or a member of staff to contact us, or do so yourself. We are usually present Mondays-Fridays between 8am-4pm. We may be available other times by appointment.
If you are willing, please fill in part of or all of the information required on the ‘tree cards’ which you will find on the ward or at the entrance to the hospital or chapel.
Lead Chaplain, Bernie Devine SP. (Catholic Sister)
Stan Blacklock (Anglican parishioner)
Pauline Chambers (Catholic parishioner)
Patrick Gormley (Catholic parishioner)
Father Jide Macaulay (Anglican Priest)
Vicki Rawding (Born again Christian)
Rev. Paul Rout OFM (Franciscan Catholic Priest)
Barry Rowan (Anglican)
Kenneth Van Heerden, Zeo Church / Catholic
If you would like to have a chat with a chaplain friend, please ask a nurse, care assistant, or staff member to contact us, or get in touch directly. We are usually present Mondays-Fridays between 8am-4pm. We may be available other times by appointment.
If you are willing, please fill in part of or all of the information required on the ‘tree cards’ which you will find on the ward or at the entrance to the hospital or chapel.
Our chaplains are here to offer a 'listening ear’ in all circumstances, including end-of-life care
What we do day-to-day
As part of Mildmay's multidisciplinary team, the chaplains are here to offer a listening ‘ear’ and emotional support in all circumstances pertaining to the patients' personal, ongoing and end-of-life care, as well as all who come to Mildmay.
We endeavour to contribute to the general life and development of Mildmay whilst maintaining good communication by treating everyone with the utmost respect.
We meet with others in one-to-ones and in groups, when appropriate. Other responsibilities include preparing, animating and leading chapel services while maintaining the chapel as a sacred space for peace and tranquillity.
Clients who have been discharged and are returning to their communities are linked to their local churches, Mosques, Temples and other local groups to ensure they are given ongoing support.
Read Ada's story and find out how she was helped by our Chaplains
Our chaplains stories
Our chaplains have strong personal motivations for volunteering as a chaplain at Mildmay Mission Hospital and they generously share them with us here.
So simple it seems trite, but it's also true, and for so many people, very difficult to accept and act upon.
Chaplaincy contact details
The Chaplain
Mildmay Mission Hospital
19 Tabernacle Gardens
London
E2 7DZ
Tel: 020 7613 6301/6302
Email: chaplains@mildmay.org
Bereavement care
Caring for those who are making their final journey in life, together with their loved ones, is an essential characteristic of a humane society, religious or otherwise.
We are here to assist during the painful, traumatic process of bereavement. The chaplaincy team will offer or arrange prayer and counselling, religious rites and practices appropriate to your particular faith group, and if requested, ongoing bereavement support. Our chaplains, if asked, will take funeral services.
Memorial Services, at a time convenient time for families and friends, are also celebrated in memory of the bereaved.
The Chapel
Our dedicated chapel welcomes all people. This is a tranquil space for periods of prayer or silence as well as for religious service and contemplation. It is open for all to use with a small allocated space for persons of other faiths.
Our chaplaincy team includes members from many different Christian denominations. We maintain strong links with the local community and can organise the services of local religious leaders from the Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities.
Wisdom and inspiration
"My religion is simple, My religion is kindness"
Buddhism
"Love your neighbour as yourself"
Christianity
"Fear not. What is not real, never was and never will be. What is real, always was and cannot be destroyed"
Hinduism
"Love all, with sincere love and concern"
Islam
"By three things is the world sustained: justice, truth and peace"
Judaism
Prayer Diary/bookmark
About twice a year, we produce the Mildmay Prayer Diary. This has information and news on projects, causes and our upcoming events that are in need of your prayer support.
We can let you have copies for your church as well, so if you would like to be sent our next prayer diary, please let us know by email.
Download the latest Prayer Diary / Bookmark here:
Volunteer for Mildmay as a chaplain
If you feel you have the calling to join our Chaplaincy Team as a volunteer, please download the application form and return it to us when completed.
You can download a Word version, to fill in on your screen and return easily by email, or a pdf version to print out and fill in by hand and either email or post back to us. All the information you need is on the form.
Download an application form
Download, print, complete by hand and post it back to us (or scan it and email it).
Download, complete onscreen and return by email.