Have you ever received a difficult complaint and wished there was somebody with whom you could talk and pray about it? Have you faced conflict in the workplace, struggled to cope with anti-social shifts, exams and keeping your friendship network going? Would you like to learn not only how to survive but how to thrive as a Christian in healthcare?

CMF Pastoral Care and Wellbeing (PCW) is interested in supporting Christian health professionals through precisely these sorts of situations. Over the last nine months, there have been some important developments in PCW, accelerated by COVID-19. In early March, we established the Pastoral Care Advisory Group, with members experienced and qualified in providing spiritual support. To date, they have overseen the appointment of twelve Pastoral Care Partners(PCPs). A Wellbeing Helpline, offering support, prayer and advice has been set up and is available via wellbeing@cmf.org.uk .

We offer listening, prayer, and opportunities for reflection, as well as signposting to other sources of help. For details of local support and encouragement groups, contact your nearest Catalyst Team. We aim to start an informal Mentoring Scheme early next year, providing an opportunity for members to 'walk with' a PCP during any phase of professional life. We aim to have PCPs operating in every Catalyst Team across the country, where they can offer one to one and group pastoral care.

The evolving Pastoral Care Team already has a vast range of experience and skills, and we will, in time, be seeking to develop specialised pastoral care in areas such as time management, medicine and the family, individual spiritual appraisal and conflict resolution. We are seeking to enlarge the Team, and anyone interested in providing pastoral care or mentoring should get in touch with us confidentially via wellbeing@cmf.org.uk. PCPs are appointed through a simple application and screening process. As a PCP, you would receive training and development of your pastoral skills. You would be encouraged to serve locally but also to use any unique gifts or experience nationally. This may take many forms including writing, preparing media for pastoral care, facilitating special interest groups or supporting the helpline. There is much to thank God for.

Do continue to pray for the work of the Pastoral Care Team as they seek to support Christian doctors and nurses to live and speak for Jesus Christ.