Wellbeing Walks - Reforming mental health care from hospital to community, sickness to prevention and formal, transactional roles to one of Companionship as part of the NHS 10-Year Health Plan.
Chaplain Craig Rennebohm spent 25 years developing the Model of Companionship. Chaplaincy, through the Wellbeing Walks offers a presence of companionship:
1. Hospitality
The Wellbeing walks offer an equally safe, calm, and welcoming environment for all participants. Everyone has equal opportunity of speaking to the Chaplain while on the walk. Hospitality can help heal wounds created by the experience of illness and stigma.
2. Neighbouring
The walks literally cause us to be on common ground, sharing experiences of the moment which builds an atmosphere of what we naturally have in common. Through neighbouring we set aside roles and identities.
3. Side-by-Side
Walking together and taking time to walk side-by-side with different people through the walk helps to be able to appreciate the perspective of each individual. It gives space to honour each person's unique experiences.
4. Listening
Research by Psychoanalyst Roy Schafer shows that sharing personal stories is empowering and liberating. When we listen to someone, we give them the opportunity to put the pieces of their life together to create meaning.
5. Accompaniment
People access the Wellbeing Walks at different stages of recovery and we accompany them in accessing additional services such as GP appointments, Addiction Recovery Groups, Employment support or finding a Faith Community.
The Christian concept of 'one body with many parts' helps to absorb and share the strain created by a mental health crisis or a lengthy recovery journey. As well as accessing professional support through Hope Haven, participants of the Wellbeing Walk have created friendships that have enabled a communal support approach. Participants have met up separately to go to cinema together, concerts, lunch, walks and art groups. I become aware of the unique 'gifts of the spirit' that each individual has and will encourage them to nurture these and when ready share with others.
"In every congregation a small group of companions can meet regularly and share with one another this basic ministry of presence.” Craig Rennebohm, “A Call to Healing,” The Christian Citizen 2 (2014).
Chaplaincy through the Wellbeing walks doesn't provide a diagnosis or resolve every problem but it does give space and time to each person and promotes community resilience through companionship.
Yvonne Myers, Mental Health Chaplain, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
