Manna interview: Walking alongside

Prebendary, Adrian Prior Sankey leads the Taunton Team Chaplaincy delivering chaplaincy in public spaces, care homes, offices, retail, cadet forces, the railway and among the marginalised, one of his personal appointments is as chaplain to the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

In what ways do you see chaplaincy as a gift to communities?

I often say that chaplaincy is a gift of the church ‘free at the point of delivery’. It’s coming alongside and listening, in a nonjudgmental way, to someone irrespective of whether they have a faith or not. We can offer a different dimension of care that complements other support systems.

What role do chaplains play in supporting their communities?

I feel chaplains offer emotional support, and prayer, that’s our USP if you like. We come from an understanding of faith, signposting to appropriate services like mental health or welfare, particularly in times of stress, such as redundancies or health concerns.

How important is it that chaplaincy is where people are, in their place of work, schools, hospitals, courts etc?

I think employers are increasingly recognising that employees are more than just work horses, they are body, mind and spirit. Being present consistently in these places allows chaplains to offer timely support when needed, especially to those who may not realise they need help until they face personal crises.

Can you share a personal story of where you feel your chaplaincy has had a positive impact?

During a period of redundancy many staff faced high levels of stress and anxiety. They valued the ability to talk to someone who wasn’t management and wasn’t part of the trade union system. Others have confided in me about health or family relationship concerns.

How do chaplains support people when they need it most, but don’t often know the help is there?

We make ourselves available through presence and visibility. In my role I have often found people approached me who have been surprised themselves that they wanted to or needed to use the chaplain. They have often said they were pleased the chaplain was there. People you think might least have expected to do that.