About Us
Historically, there has been a chaplaincy service in central Bristol for approximately 30 years.
With rising awareness in today’s society, and more people experiencing mental health problems, the pressures and uncertainty that individuals, businesses, and other organisations face are ever-increasing. As the city centre continues to grow and is further regenerated and developed, there is a need to provide support for those that live, work and visit the city centre area.
In March 2019, a short feasibility study was commissioned to explore the launch of a new chaplaincy service in central Bristol, which will meet a genuine need, and be valuable and useful to the people that work, live and visit Bristol City Centre.
In September 2019, Bristol Chaplaincy was given the go-ahead, mobilised and is now a live service.
Bristol Chaplaincy is currently fundraising and also recruiting volunteers. If you would like to get involved, please contact us.
Who are we
Bristol Chaplaincy is currently managed by both Richard and Lois Evans who are our lead chaplains. Here is a bit of information about them:
Richard is an ordained minister with over 20 years’ experience of working in a business environment as a senior project manager in the IT sector. Since the beginning of 2018, Richard has been working full time as a Funeral Officiant supporting families who have lost a loved one, while also developing and launching Bristol Chaplaincy.
Lois has over 20 years’ experience of working as a life coach, helping people to move forward in their lives. Alongside this, Lois has also served as a leader in her local church, providing pastoral care for those in her church and community. She also has experience working with children and young people.
Richard and Lois are married and have 5 children, ranging from 12 to 23 years old.
OUR VALUES
Our values are the guiding principles by which Bristol Chaplaincy holds themselves accountable to, in the way the organisation runs, in our communications and in everything we do.
We are all human: We value the diversity of human life and, as a result, commit to supporting people in the challenges and stresses they face.
We all have a story: We respect and listen to everyone. Every story is as unique as every person is.
We can all thrive: We seek to support everyone in moving forward and, where appropriate, or necessary, signpost to additional or specialist help.
We all need help in moving forward. As a faith-based organisation, we believe that God loves and cares for all people, and that faith can be a helpful and positive part in that change.
Partnerships
Bristol Chaplaincy is currently building partnerships with organisations, charities and churches across the city centre. We are always looking for new opportunities to collaborate with others to both support the work of Bristol Chaplaincy and those who we partner with.
The Bristol City Centre BID
Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) is a not-for-profit organisation working to improve the city centre for everyone to enjoy. Bristol Chaplaincy is currently supported financially by The Bristol City Centre BID.
Upper Reaches Prayer Barge
Upper Reaches CIO is a charity with a heart for prayer in Temple Quay, the central business district of Bristol. We love to pray for the people and businesses working in Temple Quay - we provide the beautiful Prayer Barge by Valentines Bridge for prayer and reflection - and we also provide a listening service on the Prayer Barge and to local businesses. For more information see urtq.org
Together 4 Bristol
Together4Bristol (T4B) is a growing movement of churches, prayer groups and networks across the 'whole of life', to help the Christian community be good news for the Bristol region. Bristol Chaplaincy is partnering with T4B to establish a network of chaplains working across all sectors in the Bristol area.
Bristol Street Pastors
Street Pastors patrol the city centre every Saturday night between 10 pm and 3 am and are available to listen, care and help anyone who is out and about enjoying Bristol’s nightlife.