Devon Wellbeing Hub Testimonial – emotional support from our Chaplains

Posted by Devon Partnership Trust in News, Recovery and wellbeing on 4th March, 2024

Alongside Colleague Wellbeing Practitioners and Psychotherapists, the Devon Wellbeing Hub is proud to have a team of Chaplains who provide a listening ear and emotional support to all colleagues, regardless of their beliefs.

We spoke to a healthcare colleague about how the pastoral support she received from Jez Brown, Lead Chaplain, helped her get through a particularly difficult time in her life.

Why did you contact the Devon Wellbeing Hub? What made you reach out for help?

Things got really difficult last year. Something happened that left me frustrated, angry and disconnected. I decided to end my life. I ended up in an acute medical unit and I needed to speak to a Chaplain as I was feeling desperately hopeless.

What support did you receive from Jez?

I could speak to Jez in confidence and connect with him in a way that was not clinical. He allowed me to reflect on both life and death. I needed that deeper connection to give me a sense of hope, because I had lost it.

I was able to talk to him in a way that I couldn’t with my care-coordinator. With them it’s quite practical and medication related, whereas the support I received from Jez fed my soul in a different way and helped me answer deeper questions that I needed to seek within myself, which I found more powerful and sustainable.

I have a faith which has always been there, but when you get depressed or suicidal your world just closes down around you. I was angry with the universe. I started blaming things outside of myself, which wasn’t helpful. Jez helped me spark my spirituality again. This helped with things like going for a walk and being able to notice the world around me. I was able to see things from a different perspective, instead of just doing them for a reason (e.g. exercising/needing to walk the dog).

What do you think the impact would have been without the support from the Hub?

Without chaplaincy support I would likely have remained in a dismal place a lot longer and I am afraid to think where that might have led. I could not have received the kind of mental health support the chaplaincy offers anywhere else. It was the lifeline I needed to get me through a very difficult several months.

Would you recommend this service to colleagues?

Yes. Most definitely - for people of any faith or none. Chaplaincy support offers a different perspective to what people need to remain well. Jez is funny, positive and lovely. He’s genuine and you want to open up to him. He’s a very good man.

I could say so much more; my gratitude for the support I was given is profound.

What advice would you give to people who may be struggling?

Give yourself time. I’m not going to say time is a healer, but time allows you to view your situation from another perspective. Asking for help is so important - but healing comes within and it takes time. If someone asks me if I’m healed, I’d say no, but things are better and I’m glad to be alive.

Jez said: “We are honoured to be able to support colleagues as they work through difficult times in their lives. It’s always a privilege to be trusted to the extent that colleagues will unburden themselves to you. Being brave enough to take that first step is the key towards discovering healing and wellbeing – a sense of wholeness.

“We offer a safe and non-judgemental space to reflect on any life-issue that is causing pain or anxiety. Recently, by way of example, I have been walking alongside people suffering with stress, loneliness, depression, bereavement and low self-esteem - to mention but a few. If you are struggling, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are here to help you.”

Get in touch:

If you work in healthcare, social care or the police in Devon and are interested in our chaplaincy support, the Hub’s Colleague Wellbeing Practitioners can discuss your needs and make a referral on your behalf. Please get in touch by calling 0300 303 5455, email dpt.devonwellbeing@nhs.net or fill out the simple referral form on the Devon Wellbeing Hub website