Whole person healthcare through the local church
Parish Nurses have full registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council and work from churches as volunteers or as paid workers. They support some of the most vulnerable
people towards better health, listening with compassion, applying nursing knowledge and skills. Led by their belief in Jesus to see people as whole beings, loved by God, they assess body, mind and spirit, and offer unconditional care and advice to address the health and wholeness needs that emerge.
They offer time, prayer and a welcome to engage with a faith community. They partner with statutory and voluntary organisations to help meet the varied needs. They aim to bring hope and healing, relief from loneliness and support in difficult times to individuals and communities, promoting health and complementing NHS provision.
A recent survey of Parish Nurses gives us a glimpse of their amazing work. 95% work with older people, 73% support those with mental health problems and 63% help those living with a disability. Some also work with children, young people, those of ethnic minorities, those with addictive behaviours, asylum seekers and sex workers. Their ministry develops around local
needs and their nursing experience as part of the church’s outreach.
Our vision for Bristol and the UK
We want to see the UK with everyone able to access a Parish Nurse and know that their health matters. There are about 40,000 churches in the UK. A Parish Nurse in at least one church in every suburb, town, or large village will make a difference to the health and wellbeing of the nation. Our current goal is to double the number of active Parish Nurse projects from 80 to 160 between 2014 and 2017.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Parish Nurse or your church would like to engage with local health needs, please contact our office:
Parish Nursing Ministries UK, PO Box 1296, Peterborough, PE2 6NW
Tel: 01733 233546
Email: enquiries a_t parishnursing d_o_t org d_o_t uk
Website: www.parishnursing.org.uk
Video links: http://parishnursing.org.uk/what-is-parish-nursing/
http://parishnursing.org.uk/about-us/case-studies/