Southampton's Refresh and Resource Day 2026 - a report

Henrietta Blyth (Photo credit: Open Doors UK and Ireland)

‘Staying Spiritually Strong’ was the theme for this year’s popular Refresh and Resource Day in Southampton, organised by the city’s charity Caraway on Monday.

This year’s guest speaker was Henrietta Blyth, of Open Doors UK and Ireland, supporting Christians whose lives are at risk around the world.

Meeting at a new venue this year – Portswood Church – the event is always a great opportunity to meet others in the same ministry, to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

Julia Burton-Jones, Anna Chaplaincy’s training and development lead, adds: 

'It was wonderful for Marian (Anna Chaplaincy coordinator) and me to spend the day with so many Anna Chaplains from Southampton and further afield. As well as an inspiring plenary session and workshop with Henrietta, Caraway’s Dr Esther Clift (pictured with microphone) and Dr Ros Simpson led a brilliant interactive talk on older people’s mental health with case studies from Caraway chaplaincy.'

Dr Esther Clift speaking at Refresh and Resource 2026

'There were also excellent workshops with Ros on journaling and with the Revd Dave Hendra, Caraway’s chaplain for dementia, on “Five ways to pray with someone”. An enriching day all round!'

Julia Burton Jones

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