At a recent meeting of Stratford Churches Together, Stratford’s Church leadership agreed to provide the Foodbank with a chaplain. A chaplain is a person of faith, or philosophical belief, who provides guidance and counselling to those in need in secular organisations. Stratford’s Chaplaincy will be a rotating one year role and started as of September this year. The first Church leader to take up the position is Revd. Audrey Simpson of Stratford’s Methodist Church.
Marion Homer Foodbank Manager said,
“The Foodbank’s links with the churches in Stratford are extremely important, and the creation of a Foodbank Chaplain is a recognition of that. We know that sometimes the stories our clients tell us can be difficult to hear so the opportunity to discuss them outside of a distribution session with our Chaplain, regardless of the beliefs held by the volunteer, will be extremely helpful.”
Revd Audrey said,
“I am delighted to become an active part of Stratford’s Foodbank – I have seen the work and impact the charity has made in the town, and recognise the volunteering opportunity it provides. I am looking forward to supporting this work in my role as Chaplain and am looking forward to getting know foodbank volunteers”
Stratford’s Foodbank was originally launched in 2013 when the Salvation Army withdrew from the town and was no longer able to provide a night time soup kitchen. Stratford’s Churches recognised this left a gap in support to some of the town’s most vulnerable residents and united together to launch a Foodbank.
