Chaplaincy teams provide prayer and spiritual support on the town centres

Volunteer chaplains in Basingstoke and Winchester are offering support, conversation and pastoral care in local town centre shops, bus stations and other areas.

The Basingstoke Town Chaplaincy, founded around 15 years ago, has 14 volunteer chaplains and a part-time staff member.

Drawn from a spread of local churches, the team commonly visit businesses, transport hubs and the magistrates’ court.

Their role is to be a visual presence, hearken to people’s concerns without criticism, and direct them towards further support if needed.

John Hayward, co-ordinator and chair of Trustees stated: “The idea is we’re not evangelising, we’re giving pastoral care, which implies going out and interesting with people where they’re, wanting to discuss whatever they wish to discuss. It’s showing God’s love and care to other people.”

He said the work was “interesting”, “godly” and “rewarding”.

“It changes people’s lives and improves the atmosphere of the community and it’s a way of reaching out to individuals who wouldn’t otherwise come to church and don’t have contact with other Christians,” he said. 

“You introduce Christ to a recent set of individuals and that’s so vital. There are opportunities in all styles of places and there’s no real hostility. People might disagree with what we consider, but they appreciate what we do.”

Conversations often cover issues like workplace challenges, family difficulties, or health concerns.

Local employees have welcomed the chaplains’ presence. Retail staff describe them as approachable, supportive and willing to listen without judgement. In some cases, chaplains have prayed with people or offered practical support.

In Winchester, the City Centre Chaplaincy includes 18 chaplains, most of whom are volunteers.

Alongside their visits to shops, offices and the bus station, they supply pastoral support on the Crown Court and run a weekly befriending service at town library.

At the magistrates’ court, chaplains spend time with staff, defendants, witnesses and families attending hearings.

The chaplaincy in Winchester also offers a listening service at St Lawrence’s Church fortnightly, giving people space to have one-on-one discussions with trained DBS listeners about personal difficulties including relationships, work, bereavement and mental health.

A monthly meditation session can also be held there on the fourth Wednesday, combining leisure, Scripture reading, and group reflection.

Town centre chaplaincies within the region meet as much as exchange ideas, reflect together, and offer mutual encouragement through prayer.

Alison Dolphin, lead chaplain, described chaplaincy as “an expression of God’s love”. 

“I feel it’s vital because there’s a pandemic of mental health and folks need any individual to consult with,” she said. 

“They need any individual who’s protected and who is nice at listening. We don’t perhaps have to say anything, simply to listen, to simply accept and to maintain it confidential.

“We’re not a counselling service and we are able to signpost people to where they’ll get more help and support but for some people, it is perhaps step one in unburdening themselves.” 

The service is obtainable for people of all faiths and none, but they don’t discuss Christianity unless they’re asked to. 

“It’s a low-key, non-threatening opportunity for people who find themselves on a spiritual search to experience God in a mindful way,” she said.