About the Spiritual Care Series Course
Introduction
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Older people have a better quality of life when those who care for them understand their spiritual needs and are skilled in delivering this kind of care. This easy-to-access, eight-session training course develops confidence, understanding and skills in anyone offering spiritual care to an older person. The Spiritual Care Series is a highly effective course developed by leading practitioners in the UK care of older people, including Professor John Swinton.
What is the Spiritual Care Series Course?
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The course is a comprehensive introduction to enabling people to offer good quality spiritual care in their local communities. Here are just some of the key features of the course:
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Eight two-hour sessions with video material to introduce each topic and provoke discussion
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Available and licensed by BRF Ministries and Anna Chaplaincy for older people in the UK, who are taking a lead nationally in quality of support for older peoples’ ministry
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Recognises that ‘a person is not truly healthy if he or she is struggling to understand the meaning and purpose for their life’
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The course has been running successfully in the UK since 2022 as a national Zoom programme delivered by Anna Chaplaincy, and in many local church contexts
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We recognise every group running the course will be unique. You can contact us for an informal chat about the Spiritual Care Series – call 01865 319700 or email us at spiritualcareseries@brf.org.uk.
The Spiritual Care Series learners at St John’s Church, Harborne.
What the training provides
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Participants gain an understanding of older peoples’ needs, as well as confidence and skills in providing spiritual care
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The training material reflects Christian values but does not assume them. This training is suitable for use by people and in contexts of all faiths or of none
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Churches can access a comprehensive training package for those who work with older people
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High-quality content delivered in a highly engaging and memorable way
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Groups can deliver it as best suits them – in person or online
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Learning is reinforced and assessed through quizzes as you go along
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This training integrates well with existing Anna Chaplaincy training pathways
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In 2026 the course was launched as self-directed learning for those unable to access learning in a group
Course sessions​
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Understanding the ageing process
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Spirituality in ageing
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Good communication
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The power of storytelling
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Dementia
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A new home and a new way of life
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Grief, loss, death and dying
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Roles, boundaries and self-care
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Recommended for​
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Anyone who wants to ensure older people receive good spiritual care
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Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends
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Chaplains in other sectors and who work with older people
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Care home staff and other professionals who want their service to excel in offering spiritual care
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Relatives and friends in unpaid caring roles supporting older people
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Authorised ministers (ordained or lay) who want to specialise in offering spiritual care to older people
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Churches who want to train a pastoral care team in developing skills and good practice
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Local or regional church groupings who want to offer training
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