Christians on Ageing webinar... by Anna Chaplain Helen Hindle

Building community in our care homes was the topic for discussion on Tuesday evening's Christians on Ageing' conference call .

The speaker was Dr Helen Hindle, an Anna Chaplain commissioned in Blackburn Diocese last autumn who minsters in the parishes of Rufford and Tarleton, near Southport.

The title for the session was ‘A dream of shalom: community from the perspective of older people living in residential care homes.’ 

Dr Helen Hindle (Photo Credit: Parishes website)

'Culture Club'

Meanwhile, The next meeting of the charity's 'Culture Club' will take place from 1.30pm until 3pm on Friday, Februray 13, 2026 when the focus will be ‘Death and Dying.’ This is a part of the human experience which is a source of great suffering as well as a deep sense of connection. 

Discussion will include reference to three films:

Goodbye June will be showing in cinemas from December 12th and from Christmas Eve on Netflix.  It’s a film about the way in which four adult children (one played by Kate Winslet) deal with the death of their mother (played by Helen Mirren).  This is Kate Winslet’s directorial debut and is based on the experiences of her, her siblings and her father (played by Timothy Spall). 

Much Ado about Dying, available on Prime Video, is a much-acclaimed 2022 documentary film about an infuriating, yet charming older gay actor, practically housebound and with a serious hoarding habit, who summons his nephew from overseas to look after him during his final months. The film explores not only attitudes to dying, but also the caring relationship between David and his uncle and the ease with which a hired carer exploits David’s weaknesses. 

Finally, the multi-award-winning film 2012 Amour, widely regarded by critics as one of the greatest films of the 21st century, offers an unsparing portrayal of dying and its impact on an older partner/carer. Amour is currently streaming on BFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, Curzon Amazon Channel, BFI Player and Apple TV Channel.

Do consider joining the Christians on Ageing meeting on February 13th to discuss the way in which the arts portray death and dying amongst older people, with special reference to these films. Email secretary@christiansonageing.org.uk to register to attend

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