Hampton's care homes and the community in the Hampton and Hampton Hill area of south-west London now have their own Anna Chaplaincy network member.
'We are delighted to see Paula commissioned as a Community Chaplain. She is a great asset to her community, with a particular call to serve the Lord amongst older people, and we pray abundant blessing and favour for her in this very valuable ministry,' said Bob Kimmerling, Trustee, Community Chaplains.
Paula Felstead tells how she started her working life as a teacher, 'but then I also worked in local libraries, where much of my time was spent talking to lonely older people who wanted company more than they wanted a book.'
In 2019 she started training with a small group of people to be a Community Chaplain, 'but my specific role was as a Community Chaplain for Older People. In this way I hope to continue building links between the churches I work with, the older people in the care homes we were visiting (before the pandemic) and the wider community.
'I am really pleased to be joining the Anna Chaplaincy Network and very much hope that I will be able to meet some of you in the not-too-distant future.'
The seeds were sown for Paula's recruitment early in 2019 when I was invited (writes Debbie Thrower) by Vineyard Life Church Elder, Bob Kimmerling, to lead a day's training on Anna Chaplaincy and community based support for older people and carers.
'Blessing to you, too, Debbie,' said Bob, 'and congratulations on your 160+ in the network now. I have fond memories of your very special visit to us.'