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City Centre Chaplain Under Threat

For the past three years, the independent Stirling charity known as 'The Rock Community Project' has been piloting a Workplace Chaplaincy part-time in Stirling City Centre. Douglas Wright, Chaplain throughout the trial period has now returned to his previous employment as a senior manager with the Forestry Commission, but based on the success of the pilot scheme, it is hoped to appoint a full-time successor IF funding can be found.

Donald Black, one of the charity's Directors, has the task of doing that. He commented, "The depths of a recession may be a great time to try to provide a Workplace Chaplain but it's a terrible time to be looking for money. Some people think that chaplains are irrelevant nowadays in multi-faith and no-faith Britain, but experience in Stirling and elsewhere doesn't bear this out. In the first place, a Chaplain does not promote any particular faith but simply meets people where they are.Secondly, for many otherwise 'secular' people, 'spirituality' marks out areas of life important for well-being - such as love, joy, care or personal worth. Many others have concerns, which they don't want to off-load on to family or friends and definitely can't share with their employer. Then sometimes the unthinkable happens, like the Aberdeen helicopter crash. Too late then to start building the trust necessary for support to be offered and accepted. That only comes by having been there for people during the good times before the bad times. In circumstances ranging from the ordinary, through the joyful, to the tragic, the accessible, independent, familiar and trusted figure of the Workplace Chaplain can be vital."

The charity hopes that funding will come from local sources with a heart for Stirling. Stirling Baptist Church has already committed to match fund up to 50% of the cost, so the rest must come from other churches, businesses, individuals or charitable trusts. For anyone who wants to help, even in a small way, 'The Rock Community Project' can be contacted at 61 Murray Place, Stirling, FK8 1AP, 01786 462647 or admin@rockcommunityproject.org.uk.

Refresh
The City Centre Chaplain is part of the Refresh initiative for people working in Stirling, which recognises the increasing pressures and demands that face people who work today.

Refresh looks to help support men and women working in Stirling through a variety of services.

In addition to the City Centre Chaplain we provide regular Lunchtime Seminars, twice yearly Health & Well Being Events and a lunchtime café, Café Refresh.

© Copyright The Rock Community Project 2004-2008 | Recognised Scottish Charity Number SC34069