As an ordained minister and a registered nurse, Helen Garrard brings a unique blend of physical and spiritual care to her role as chaplain at Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich. Her journey into ministry emerged from her nursing background, where she had been a lay reader in the church for many years before feeling a calling to ordained ministry. This dual perspective allows her to provide holistic support to individuals, acknowledging that their physical and spiritual wellbeing are intricately linked. As a chaplain, Helen’s role is not limited to those with a specific faith or belief; rather, she provides care and support to people of all backgrounds, focusing on their individual needs and concerns. Her personal faith gives her the ability to sit alongside people in times of distress and need, offering a listening ear and a compassionate presence.
Helen’s work at Priscilla Bacon Lodge, a specialist palliative care hospice, is a testament to the importance of spiritual care in the healthcare system. The hospice, with its modern facilities and beautiful garden, provides a peaceful and serene environment for patients to receive care and support. Each room has a door connecting to the garden, allowing patients to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings and find joy in the simple things. Helen notes that joy is not something you would typically associate with a palliative care hospice, but it is precisely this sense of joy and wonder that she and her team strive to foster. By focusing on the individual’s needs and desires, Helen and her team aim to support patients in living their life to the fullest, even in the face of illness. This approach recognizes that there are aspects of a person’s life that are not diminished by illness, but rather, are brought to the forefront as they approach the end of their life. For Helen, this is where spiritual awakening can occur, and individuals can find a sense of freedom to pursue things like reconciliation and personal growth.
As a chaplain, Helen’s role is not only to support patients but also to care for the staff who work at the hospice. The team at Priscilla Bacon Lodge is close-knit, and Helen’s role involves supporting them as they navigate the emotional challenges of working in a palliative care environment. This can include regular experiences of grief, particularly when young patients pass away. Helen’s leadership and supervision of the team of honorary chaplains and chaplaincy volunteers are essential in ensuring that they feel supported and equipped to provide the best possible care. She describes her team as “incredible people” who are dedicated to providing compassionate and sensitive support to patients and their families. Helen’s passion for chaplaincy is evident, and she is always eager to talk to people who feel a vocational calling to this type of work.
Helen’s background and experience have shaped her approach to chaplaincy. Originally from the North West of England, she has lived in Norfolk for 36 years with her husband, a parish priest in Rockland St Mary. Her interests outside of work include traveling, cooking, and sewing, which she believes help her to bring creativity into her role. This creativity is essential in chaplaincy, as it allows her to adapt to the unique needs and stories of each individual. Whether it’s developing personalized liturgies or using Bible stories to respond to a particular need, Helen’s creative approach helps her to provide meaningful support to those in her care. Her commitment to her faith and her role as a chaplain is evident, and she believes that being part of a church community is essential in nourishing her own faith and enabling her to provide the best possible support to others.
As the leader of chaplaincy services for the entire healthcare trust, Helen’s role is multifaceted. She oversees a team of chaplains and volunteers who provide support to patients in 12 community hospitals across Norfolk, as well as those living in the community. Her experience and expertise have equipped her to provide guidance and supervision to her team, ensuring that they are supported in their roles. Helen’s dedication to chaplaincy is inspiring, and her work demonstrates the powerful role that chaplaincy can play in supporting the wellbeing of patients, families, and staff in palliative care. By recognizing the complex interplay between physical and spiritual wellbeing, Helen and her team provide holistic care that acknowledges the individual’s unique needs and concerns.
In conclusion, Helen Garrard’s work as a chaplain at Priscilla Bacon Lodge is a shining example of the importance of spiritual care in healthcare. Her unique blend of physical and spiritual care, combined with her creativity, compassion, and dedication, makes her an exceptional chaplain. As she continues to support patients, families, and staff in palliative care, Helen’s work serves as a reminder of the transformative power of chaplaincy. By fostering a sense of joy, wonder, and spiritual awakening, Helen and her team help individuals to live their lives to the fullest, even in the face of illness. As a testament to the value of chaplaincy, Helen’s story highlights the need for more individuals to consider this vital and rewarding role, and to recognize the profound impact that spiritual care can have on the lives of others.
