We're delighted to report that Helen Dray was commissioned as an Anna Chaplain (Church of Scotland) on the February 23, 2025, in Stockethill Church in Aberdeen.
She writes: 'My career was working with older people in residential homes and I loved my work and have missed the contact with older people since I was medically retired. I love being able to support older people as they negotiate this stage of their life; to try and make a small difference in any way I can.'
'I first came across Anna Chaplaincy when I was at university when a fellow student became one. As I investigated it, the more I had a sense of “this is for me”.'
Over the years I have never forgotten that sense, a number of friends said that I would be good at it and encouraged me to pursue it. I became a Pastoral Volunteer around two years ago and during that time my minister and I had many discussions around Anna Chaplaincy; the church and the trustees agreed that it would benefit the church, and I did my training in the summer of last year.
Most of my work is in sheltered accommodation, across the parish. We run two services a month in different accommodations. I visit people in their own flats and plan to extend my ministry to include supporting the carers and families.
I run a “Drop In”, where people are able to come for a cuppa and a chat in two of the accommodations and attend an afternoon tea in another one. I also visit people in their own homes in the community, as well as people who have gone into care. We have just started to run a social group, once a month, in a local café.'
'I love my work, being able to make a difference to people’s life’s and supporting them as they negotiate the changes that old age brings.'
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