CHAPLAINCY |
The Koestler award winning cross
made by a prisoner
|
The emotional and spiritual welfare of all at HMP Wolds is a high
priority. The Chaplaincy is a resource for both prisoners and staff,
of all faiths or of none.
The Team
Full-time, part-time and sessional chaplains and ministers work together
to provide opportunities for worship, prayer and study for members
of any faith whose practice is permitted in prison. An increasing
number of volunteers provide a valued input to pastoral care and to
our programme of groups and courses.
The team currently includes ministers and volunteers from the traditions
of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Paganism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism,
Quakers, Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
Members of the core team also contribute a Chaplaincy perspective
on a wide range of issues within the prison such as diversity, race
relations, drugs strategy and bullying.
Statutory Requirements
Chaplaincy has a duty of care to the whole establishment. As part
of this duty staff are required by Home Office regulations to make
a daily visit to any prisoner held in segregation or who is resident
in the health care centre. |
We are also required to provide for the practice of any faith permitted
in prison by finding a minister and providing a suitable environment
for groups to meet for worship and teaching. The issue of religious
practice in prisons is under constant review and we take advice as
required from the Prisoner Administration Group, Chaplaincy Headquarters
and accredited representatives of faith communities to make sure we
are doing everything we should to support prisoners in the practice
of their faith. |
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is a major part of our daily work.
People who are bereaved, having relationship problems or just feeling
the pressure of being (or working) in prison often feel the need to
'talk to someone'. Our job is to provide sympathetic and non-judgemental
short-term support to anyone who needs it, regardless of faith background.
We are happy to be contacted in any case of need, whether emotional,
spiritual or practical. Chaplaincy operates within the wider prison
team and if we are not able to help, we can probably find someone
who can. |
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The
chapel being used for the Christmas
pantomime |
Classes and Groups
We are continually developing the range of opportunities we offer
to explore faith, spirituality and personal development. All courses
in the Chaplaincy are offered in the context that Faith is important.
We recognise the validity of accepted moral codes and acknowledge
the possibility that there is a higher power or ideal against which
our actions can be judged.
We do not give up hope on anyone. |
