“When it was announced around six years ago that St Matthew’s, Carver Street (Sheffield) would be incorporating Parish Nursing into its ministry and outreach, this was something completely new to me. At that time, I was Vicar of a parish that was in a mission partnership with St Matthew’s, so I was intrigued to discover what the Parish Nursing Project was all about.
“It was only just over a year ago, after leaving my parish, that I became involved with St Matthew’s as an assistant priest. At the kind invitation of Fr Naylor, the Vicar of St Matthew’s, and Michaela Suckling, the former Lead Parish Nurse, I began a part-time role as Chaplain to the Parish Nursing project. This involves spending some time each week on the stall on the Moor Markets where the project has a regular base. It has also meant introducing a weekday evening Mass at St Matthew’s, which incorporates the healing ministries (laying-on of hands and anointing) for those who wish to receive this sacrament.
“It has been a privilege to share in the wonderful relationship that exists between St Matthew’s, especially through the parish nurses, and those who work on the Moor Markets, as well as those who visit and who shop there. The stall is well equipped for offering basic health checks, such as measuring height, weight and body fat, monitoring blood pressure and oxygen saturation. There is also plenty of information about health conditions and healthy living advice. For people who are hesitant to make GP appointments, this is an accessible facility. The parish nurses can also signpost people to sources of further help. We are also located close to other support hubs for people who need help with a smoking habit, advice about sexual health or assistance with housing issues.
“Parish Nursing takes a holistic approach to the provision of care. Beyond addressing physical needs, the nurses and volunteers are also available for advice about mental health issues. For this reason, mental health first aid is a vital skill, in addition to knowing where to refer people for more specific help. Social isolation is quite common, and there are numerous people who welcome a listening ear. Although the project is not designed to convert people, its holistic outlook means that spiritual care, where appropriate, is part of the mix. Whilst all who work for the project are practising Christians, we have many contacts with people of other religions and with those who do not have any explicit faith. Spiritual care in the wider sense is understood as meeting people with respect and understanding, so that we are able to address a diversity of needs.
“It has been wonderful to see how the project has fed into other areas of parish life. The nurses have helped to provide support to families who attend children’s events (Little Prints), to older people affected by memory loss (Mindful Music), to the homeless and to others who struggle with financial and mental health problems. It has greatly enhanced the ministry and outreach of St Matthew’s parish church. For this reason, I am very encouraged to hear that there is a desire to find bases for the Parish Nursing Project in other parts of the Diocese of Sheffield. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“For more details about the Parish Nursing Team at St Matthew’s, Carver Street please contact: louise.smith@carverstreet.co.uk.”
– Fr Richard Parker
