Talking #TeamCWPT blog

When Liz Jones first considered becoming a hospital chaplain, she admits she wasn't the obvious candidate.

"I don't like hospitals. I'm squeamish," she laughed.

Nearly 16 years later, Liz has had a career supporting patients, families and staff through some of life's most challenging moments.

Liz recently joined Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT), bringing with her a wealth of experience, compassion and perspective. She defines spirituality as the very essence of what makes a person who they are. It's what lifts their spirits and gives them meaning and purpose."

That could be faith for some people, but for others it might be family, friendships, music, sport, nature or caring for animals.

She works across our services with chaplain Modupe Adeoye, supporting patients, families and staff, and alongside the multi faith team of chaplains at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) to provide appropriate support, both in the units covered by CWPT and in community.

A journey into chaplaincy

Liz's journey into chaplaincy began unexpectedly.

A friend encouraged her to take part in a volunteer chaplaincy training programme at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW). Initially unconvinced, Liz decided to give it a try.

During her training, Liz was mentored by experienced chaplains and eventually began supporting chaplaincy services across Coventry and Warwickshire.

Nearly 2 decades later, she remains passionate about the role and the difference chaplaincy can make.

What does a chaplain do?

For many people, the word "chaplain" can bring certain assumptions.

"One of the things I often do is myth-busting," said Liz. "People sometimes think chaplains are just there to pray or perform religious ceremonies."

In reality, chaplaincy is about much more.

While chaplains come from a range of faith backgrounds and can provide faith-specific support when requested, much of their day-to-day work involves listening, supporting and simply being present.

"Chaplaincy is a ministry of presence. A lot of what we do is sitting, listening and being alongside people."

Liz explained that she supports people from all faiths and none.

"The majority of people I support would probably say they don't really have a faith, don't know what they believe, or are trying to work things out."

Whether supporting someone after difficult news, helping a family navigate uncertainty, or providing a listening ear to a colleague going through a challenging time, chaplaincy focuses on meeting people where they are.

The power of small acts

Sometimes, supporting someone's wellbeing can come from the simplest of actions.

Liz recalled one memorable experience from her time at UHCW. She had been supporting a patient who was disappointed about missing an important football match while in hospital.

As there was no television available in his bay, Liz spoke to staff and arrangements were made to move him to a different area where he could watch the game with another patient.

A few days later, she returned to see him.

"Before I could say anything, he smiled and said, 'Thank you. You lifted my spirits.'"

For Liz, that moment perfectly illustrates what chaplaincy is about.

Supporting staff

Throughout her career, Liz has worked extensively with staff experiencing bereavement, loss and major life changes.

Periods of organisational change can also bring uncertainty, anxiety and questions about identity and purpose. Liz wants colleagues to know that chaplaincy is available to support them through those moments too.

"People can find themselves questioning where they fit, what their purpose is or what comes next. We're here to support them and journey alongside them through that."

A resource for everyone

Liz's message is simple: chaplaincy is for everyone.

You don't need to belong to a particular faith, be experiencing a crisis or have all the answers.

Sometimes, having someone to listen, reflect and walk alongside you can make all the difference.

"We're here to help in lots of different ways. Whatever you're facing, chaplaincy can offer support, space to talk and someone to journey alongside you."

For our patients, families, carers and staff, Liz brings another compassionate voice dedicated to supporting wellbeing, resilience and the things that give life meaning and purpose.