Introduce yourself here :)

[nickw]

Hello,


I am shortly going to spend an afternoon with the Chaplain at a local hospice(The Martlets), and wondered if anyone had any advice or suggestions about it? About what I might meet with there, or anything interesting I might read or look up?

By way of introduction, my name is Nick, I live in Brighton and have attended the Soto Zen (under IZAUK) group here for about four years. I guess I wanted to test the waters to really see if I have the capacity for chaplaincy. I've never really done anything like it, so it's a complete unknown to me.

Thanks, gassho and cheers to all, Nick.

[Matthew]

Nick,

Welcome,

I've emailed you as the forum is currently very inactive. Apologies you had no reply sooner.

Matthew

[peter_goble]

I'm sorry too that I missed your post, Nick.  I'd be interested to know what happened at your visit and whether the experience strengthened your aspiration to do chaplaincy work or otherwise.

I'm a Buddhist hospital chaplain at Mid-Essex NHS Trust hospitals, with North Essex Partnership Primary NHS Trust (it runs mental health services), also with Basildon NHS Trust as a Pastoral Care Volunteer.

If you do read this I invite you to stay in touch.  As KM develops (its in its infancy) you can make a pioneering contribution to the group, you are undoubtedly an "early joiner"!

Peter

[Matt]

Hello All, just a quick introduction of myself to the forum. My name is Matthew, Matt works well though.. I volunteer at Watford General Hospital in the MacMillan Cancer Iformation & Support Centre. I also have just completed the level 2 in Counselling. I am in full time work, as a technician working on the railway, and am being drawn into these areas for which I have had an interest for many years.. I have a personnel meditation practice and have been on various retreats, and have buddhism at the heart of my outlook and understanding.
I am looking forward to being in contact with, and learning from others that share Buddhist/Buddhish outlook that are also moved to serve and help others in a time of need. I think I have rambled enough for an intro, and will leave it there for now... Matt

[Matthew]

Dear Matt,

Welcome to the forums. At the moment things are pretty quiet but we're working on it.

I'm glad Matt works for you because it doesn't for me!

In the Dhamma,

Matthew

[DQT]

Hello,

Hope you're all well. I'm interested in how I might be of service. I'm buddhist - lay kagyupa - with a fair knowledge of other schools and communities. I was a fransciscan friar and had useful pastoral care training and experience. I left that vocation and have spent the last 20 years working in health and social care. I'm interested in volunteer visiting / chaplaincy in hospices, hospitals and prisons - wherever I may be of use. I live in Rochester.

best wishes,

David

[Matthew]

David,

Welcome to the forums. Chris Blomeley can bring you up to speed with the latest training opportunities. You can shoot him an email from his profile. Otherwise send me a private message and I'll put you in touch with a couple of people who can help.

There is greater demand for Buddhist Chaplains than provision - I do not think you will find it hard to find a place to explore this vocation.

Warm regards,

Matthew