Meet the chaplaincy team

I have worked at ESNEFT since November 2018, prior to which I was a parish priest in Suffolk and Essex and a volunteer chaplain at the East Anglia Children’s Hospice in Ipswich. My theological training was through the Eastern Region Ministry Course.

I trained as an Occupational Therapist in 1992 and have worked in hospitals, social services, schools and psychiatric units.

As part of the Chaplaincy Team I am available to patients, relatives, staff and visitors offering support and care to anyone in need.

I originally hail from Scotland, but have lived in many beautiful parts of the UK over the years.
I trained as a minister and a social worker before obtaining a PhD on staff experiences of coping with death and dying and becoming an academic.

This journey brought me back full circle and I have now worked as a chaplain at a number of hospitals, supporting those of all faiths and beliefs.  Although mainly based at Ipswich, I can also be found at the other hospitals covered by the Trust.

I love my work, listening to and supporting patients, families/ friends and staff.
Feel free to say ‘Hi’ if you see me out and about.

I joined the Colchester Hospital chaplaincy team in September 2021. My background is in youth and community work.

Over the past 18 years, I’ve worked for churches, charities, local authorities, and the private sector to offer pastoral support to children and young people, and to empower them to take ownership of their personal development and recovery.

I came to this job because I love making meaningful connections with people, especially people whose stories and experiences are different to my own.

Outside of work, I host a couple of podcasts (one about religion, and one about wellbeing), I read comic books (I love anything by Joe Sacco or Guy Delisle), I listen to music (Beastie Boys and Johnny Cash are my favourites), I watch movies (Jurassic Park is probably my favourite, but I also really love animation), and I look after two obnoxious cats.

I’m originally from Belgium, and moved around a lot growing up, so I speak French as well as English, and will look forward to working with people from all sorts of backgrounds at the hospital.

I came into post as an ESNEFT Trust Chaplain during 2020, but have been a part of the chaplaincy team here since 2017. I am based at Colchester Hospital, but also cover Ipswich, Clacton, Harwich, Felixstowe and Bluebird Lodge

I trained in theology at Regents Theological College and was subsequently ordained into the Elim ministry. I completed my studies at King’s College London and ministered in the London area for some years.

I am married with two daughters, who keep me quite busy and enjoy travelling, reading and playing squash and racketball to keep fit.

I am registered with the College of Healthcare Chaplains and take a particular interest in supporting palliative and end of life patients and their families, as well as those with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. I am here to offer support to both staff and patients of all beliefs and those who do not consider themselves religious. I can also be heard broadcasting the chaplaincy service of worship on Colchester Hospital Radio on Sunday mornings. Do tune in if you are so minded.

I Started in December 2018 my first full time Healthcare chaplaincy role. Prior to this I have spent 30 years leading 5 different churches in various parts of the country including Sunderland and Guernsey as an ordained Elim minister.

Whilst leading Hope Baptist Church in Plymouth I also volunteered at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital, and undertook training with Peninsula Initiative Community Chaplaincy providing holistic support for people in prison and then through the gate upon release, and during those first critical days, weeks and months.

I have a great interest in supporting the Palliative Care Team and their patients.

I have worked as Chaplain at Aldeburgh Hospital for 13 years. The hospital has a small number of in-patient beds but also fulfills many other needs for the local community – physiotherapy, daycare centre, dialysis unit, X-ray clinic, chemotherapy clinic, dental care and other specialist clinics. Many of these save patients from having to make a long journey to Ipswich at a time when they may be feeling vulnerable. My role involves ‘being there’ for patients, relatives and staff. Regular services are held in the Day Centre, at which all are welcome. Bedside Holy Communion is available when needed. We have a Quiet Room for confidential conversation, ‘time out’ and where relatives can rest during prolonged periods of watching by the side of sick family members.