Agricultural Chaplaincy is a role that has, over the years, evolved from other forms of chaplaincy.  Just as a reminder, chaplains of any genre, walk alongside people who are in trouble or have issues and are in need of pastoral care and support.

The Agricultural Chaplains Association, a Christian based organisation, has been in existence for over twenty-five years.  It seems strange therefore, to be instigating training after a quarter of a century!  However, the vast majority of chaplains when we first started out were ordained and it was assumed that their ordination training would cover the topics needed.  Nowadays however, we have a greater number of lay people, which is a real bonus and does nothing but enrich the work that we do.  Therefore we need to train them for their role using a Foundation Course.  The Course will be run for all new Chaplains, regardless of whether they are ordained or not, or have previously undertaken any other form of chaplaincy training.

So, this new Course, which is delivered over six sessions either in person or virtually, is the first to be devised and written for and by Agricultural Chaplains.  As you may well imagine, covers topics such as a mix of faith, Bible readings, times of prayer, training in pastoral care, listening, Health & Safety, to name but a few. 

Our chaplains do not spend their time trying to convert folk to Christianity!  We are there to help, support and prop folks up during difficult periods in their lives.  And that, in the present world of farming, with its problems and issues, is a very difficult job!  It is hardly surprising then that currently, farming has the highest rate of male suicide of any profession in the UK.  So, as you can imagine, we are kept extremely busy!

Coupled with training, those of you who may have ventured into a livestock market may well have seen a Health Hub.  This is a place where farmers and their families, market staff, hauliers and others may go and speak confidentially to a group of healthcare professionals. 

Farming, traditionally, is one of those profession where farmers get little time to go to the doctor or dentist.  It is quite common for a Hub to offer blood pressure checks, diabetes checks, cholesterol level tests, physiotherapy, dental help, and others at a market.  In some, a local GP will be in attendance!

The latest Hub to be in the process of forming is Salisbury Livestock Centre.  They are hoping to be fully operational by October.  The driving force behind this and many other Hubs is the chaplain.  Another example of Agricultural Chaplains supporting the farming community!

If anyone would wish to join us in our work, please drop us a line at [email protected] and we will be happy to help.