Ensuring the wellbeing of clergy is an important aspect of our life together in Hereford diocese.
We monitor the key aspects of wellbeing, awareness of trends etc, and enable appropriate actions to be taken to improve the wellbeing of ordained ministers in the diocese and staff. We regularly monitor our clergy and have developed a number of resources to support the individual and the clergy family unit.
What resources are there to support clergy wellbeing?
There are a number of organisations who provide support for clergy including:
- St Luke’s Virtual Clergy Wellbeing Programme
- Shelden Hub Link – This offers an online space for clergy support provided by the Society of Mary and Martha (Sheldon House)
- Diocesan Arranged Opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme – available to Hereford Diocese clergy by phone on 0800 083 3375
- Halo Leisure Membership Discount
- Diocesan Counselling Service
- Finding Spiritual Direction
- Hereford Diocese Ministerial Development Review (MDR)
- Hereford Diocese Clergy Handbook
- Hereford Diocese Connect 4 support group for Clergy Spouses and Partners
- Church of England: Proposed Covenant for Clergy Wellbeing
- Church of England: a comprehensive list of national resources and charities supporting clergy and their families on a range of areas including relationships, finance, vocations and health (physical and mental)
- Psychology Tools: Living with global uncertainty
- Responding to stress when working with Covid-19 - Although targeted to hospital staff, it is useful information for everyone.
How can I contact someone in the Clergy wellbeing group?
The membership of the clergy wellbeing group is:
- Archdeacon of Hereford (convener)
- Archdeacon of Ludlow
- Diocesan Secretary
- Chair of House of Clergy and
- Dean of Women’s Ministry
Please email individuals directly or contact our diocesan office during working hours.
What other information is available to support clergy wellbeing?
If you are wanting a more informal conversation about support or advice about wellbeing, please do get in touch with your rural dean or archdeacon for a chat. There are further resources available to support clergy with wellbeing including our:
- Diocesan counselling services
- Support for retired clergy
- Diocesan spouse network - Connect 4
If you are experiencing problems with your marriage and you need support, two Bishop’s Visitors are available. If you are the spouse or partner of a member of clergy and you wish to contact a Bishop’s Visitor, please email the Bishop’s Chaplain
You can also find further advice in parish support pages for clergy.