Meet our northern-most Anna Chaplain!

Sarah Aitken, the Revd Ian Aitken, Anna Chaplain Helen Dray and Vanda Noble, Helen’s mentor.

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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