Devon Wellbeing Hub Chaplain officiates commitment ceremony for care home residents

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in News, Recovery and wellbeing on 17th November, 2023

This summer, Jez Brown, Lead Chaplain in the Devon Wellbeing Hub, was honoured to officiate at a commitment ceremony for Neil and Sal, two residents at Burdon Grange Care Home.

Jez was asked to officiate after supporting the home following a tragic event last year. Jez and Jody Merelle, a Psychotherapist in the Hub, arrived at the home the day after the incident to provide immediate wellbeing support to both staff and patients. The Hub continued to offer support over the following weeks by offering drop-in sessions - giving people a safe space to reflect, open up and feel listened to.

Owners Stuart and Steph Kempton explained they would not have coped, nor got through this incredibly difficult time, without the Hub’s support.  Stuart said: “In June last year we, as a home, suffered a huge tragedy where we lost two much-loved residents, and one resident and a member of staff were hospitalised.

“I realised that the home as a whole needed support as it affected every single resident and member of staff. We were put in touch with the Hub and it was a complete lifeline. Immediately Jody and Jez came to the home and we set up a room for residents and staff to have quiet time, to reflect, to talk, to cry and to have someone there to support us all.

“The support we received was immeasurable. Words cannot adequately describe the benefit and solace that was provided to our home. Personally, they were a complete support to myself as well checking-in regularly and allowing me to take time when I needed it.

“It was so nice for Jez to be able to return to the home and officiate at a coming together of two of our residents who have committed themselves to each other. It was lovely to see the home celebrate after such a tough year, and for Jez to be there was very special.

“The Hub was there when we needed it. It should be celebrated and recognised for the work that all of these special people do. Thank you from ALL at Burdon Grange.”

Jez said: “It was lovely to return to Burdon Grange again for something so positive and to see how far the staff and patients have come and how much better they are doing. The day was wonderful -we were blessed with beautiful sunshine and I felt honoured to be part of Neil and Sal’s celebration.”

Jody said: “Although our introduction to Burdon Grange happened at a sad time for the home, both Jez and I were hugely impressed by the support offered by the leadership to staff and the efforts made to provide them with what they needed to get through a very difficult time. This went on for several months after the initial incident and I felt privileged to be a part of that process.

“Clichéd as it might sound, on all my visits to Burdon Grange it felt more like a family than a workplace.  I said more than once that I would be happy for any family member of mine to be living there, which is about the highest compliment I can pay them. I wish them all the very best for the future and am full of admiration for how they coped through what was an exceedingly difficult time.”

Get in touch

If you work in healthcare, social care or the police in Devon and lead a team who would benefit from support, please get in touch by calling 0300 303 5455 or email dpt.devonwellbeing@nhs.net, mentioning ‘team support’. If you are looking for 1:1 support, you can fill out the simple referral form on the Devon Wellbeing Hub website.

If you’ve been supported by the Devon Wellbeing Hub and would like to share your experience, please get in touch with Lauren Batten, Staff Wellbeing Communications and Engagement Coordinator, at lauren.batten1@nhs.net