'Out of the Box' storytelling casts chaplaincy in a fresh light

Canon Erica Roberts

The second day of our autumnal Anna Chaplaincy Gathering began with prayer and music - the violin played for us by Hampshire-based Anna Chaplain Frances Attwood, also a music therapist; a good preparation for our 'Out of the Box' storytelling session led by Canon Dr Erica Roberts.

Newly-retired to Devon, Erica founded the Southampton-based Caraway charity which is home to a team of Anna Chaplains, some of whom specialise in support for people with dementia and carers.

Erica's box of items told the story of a man with a wonderful brightly coloured cape - props included a felt mat, several wooden people (one in a wheelchair), and an orange and black 'cape' formed from a small scrap of material. She held her audience spellbound as one particular wooden person wore his cape to mingle among others, only then to respond to a request for help by sharing his cape and offer some comfort.

We were invited to say what the story had evoked in us in the way of thoughts and feelings: words emerged like 'isolation', 'sadness' and 'loneliness' through to 'warmth, 'acceptance', 'inclusivity' and 'hugs'.

There was a resonance with the story with that of St Martin of Tours who once shared his cloak with a beggar. A portion of his cloak was preserved as a sacred relic and was housed in a tent, or shrine, that became known as a cappella (diminutive of cappa, meaning cloak), from which the word chapel... led in time to the term 'chaplain' from which our modern-day concept of chaplaincy is derived.

This was an opportunity to experience directly just how powerful 'Out of the Box' stories performed in this way can be; requiring few objects, and allowing plenty of room for silence alongside the simple words of the story.

Just like the 'Godly Play' from which 'OutoftheBox' has come, the story is a springboard for people to explore their own reactions, reflect on their emotions, and draw fresh insights. Erica (who is a former paediatric oncologist, as well as a priest) has used it to good effect with many groups of older people, including some living with varying levels of cognitive disability.

Debbie Ducille thanked Erica for demonstrating the technique - so useful in helping people access and articulate their own spirituality - which she described as 'simple but profound.'

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