Our East Sussex chaplains hosted their annual BBQ recently. Jayne Grier, our Director of People, was delighted to be invited along to our Eastbourne Foyer for the event and join Elly (East Sussex Chaplain) and Brian and Gill (East Sussex Volunteer Chaplains). She shares some reflections:
“Any preconceived ideas or stereotypes about who a chaplain might be goes out the window when you meet the team and attend a session. Our chaplains are welcoming, friendly, accepting, fun, easy to connect with and, according to young people in our projects, really easy to talk to.
“Chaplaincy sessions are based around a home cooked meal and bring together the residents of our supported houses, many of whom don’t interact together very often.
“At the BBQ, there was a mix of easy and everyday chat (like why ‘Alexa’ can’t play modern Afghan pop music) to more serious discussions around future aspirations and friendships. The team fed ten residents (and one cheeky seagull who stole a hot baked potato off the BBQ – ouch!)
“Brian and Gill were warm and welcoming. When asked in our 2022 Chaplaincy Review, young people said that they greatly valued the fact that volunteers donate their time to be with them.
“Driving back to Brighton, I felt a huge reminder of the essence of YMCA’s work. How the simple act of cooking a meal and sharing food together can act as a catalyst for moments of connection between young people themselves and between trusted adults in the community and young people.
“Huge thanks to Elly, Brian and Gill for inviting me along and to all our volunteer chaplains working across Sussex and in Guildford.”
