Events diary
A round-up of dates when we may be in your local area, and events of general interest.
Upcoming events:
Join online to hear Richard Holloway and Kathryn Mannix speaking at the Malcolm Goldsmith Lecture organised by Faith in Older People. Kathryn Mannix is the author of With the End in Mind, a book recently praised by Debbie Thrower on the Anna Chaplaincy blog. The focus of the lecture will be on ‘Tender Conversations: How can we navigate conversations about sorrow, fear, and loss?’
The experience of illness, death, separation and other difficulties is part and parcel of getting older. Despite this, we often find ourselves at a loss when we come to talk about these issues with our families or friends. Sometimes, older people want to put their own minds at rest by helping their supporters understand their wishes, but those supporters are very reluctant to engage in the conversation, preferring to change the subject or to say ‘Things aren’t that bad yet!’ Other families find that although the supporters feel increasingly concerned that they don’t know their relative’s wishes, their sick or older relative declines to talk about it, asking people not to interfere or stating that this is not a subject they want to talk about.
Let’s think about these important, emotional and necessary conversations. Let’s think about how the attitude we take into the conversation can change the way it unfolds. Let’s consider how to begin, how to be a companion while someone considers their difficulties and their strong emotions, and how to ensure that our conversation finishes in a way that is safe, satisfactory and leaves open the invitation to talk again in the future. Let’s think about how simply by being a good listener, we can help people to process their worries and feel less alone with their sorrows.
We will think about how listening underpins compassionate action, and consider ways to create communities of compassion where all can be listened to and heard.
The event will be on Thursday 12 May from 4.30 – 6.00 pm. For more information, click here, and to book click the button below.
Location
Online event
Speakers
Kathryn Mannix and Richard Holloway
Date
Thursday 12 May
Time
4.30–6.00 pm
Cost
Free (Donations welcome)
This free two-hour workshop is jointly hosted by SVP, Churches Together in Carlisle and District and Anna Chaplaincy Cumbria. The workshop is led by Katherine Froggatt (Anna Chaplaincy lead, Cumbria) and Beverley Moore, Anna Chaplain (Kendal Parish Church). This is an opportunity to learn and share experiences about dementia-friendly tea services.
We will explore:
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What is a dementia-friendly tea service?
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How do I run one?
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Top tips for running one
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Working in care homes
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Involving your local church.
For further information, contact Louise Dias (chair of Carlisle Churches Elderly Support Group) on 07779631446 or via louise_dias@yahoo.com.
Location
Walton Hall, Our Lady and St Joseph's Church, Warwick Square, Carlisle, CA1 1LB
Speakers
Katherine Froggatt and Beverley Moore
Date
Wednesday 15 June
Time
2.30–4.30 pm
Cost
Free
We look forward to welcoming you in person to the 2022 Anna Chaplaincy Cumbria Conference. The day comprises speakers, workshops and a celebration service giving thanks for the ministry that has developed alongside older people in Cumbria over the last few years. Our main speakers are Maureen O’Brien (Faith in Older People) and Debbie Ducille (Church lead, Anna Chaplaincy national team).
There will also be the opportunity to attend two workshops covering different aspects of ministry with older people:
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Running a dementia tea service
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Playlist for life
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Prayer and memory
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Planning for the future
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Practical craft activity
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Creating dementia-friendly resources
There is no charge but please bring your own lunch (hot and cold drinks provided).
To book a place, use the button below. For further information contact Katherine Froggatt, Anna Chaplaincy lead, via ac@churchestogethercumbria.org.uk
Location
Penrith Methodist Church, Penrith, CA11 7QY
Speakers
Maureen O'Brien and Debbie Ducille
Date
Saturday 17 September
Time
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost
Free
