Health and well-being are impacted by a range of factors, and while no organisation can ensure a perfect working environment, Manchester Diocese is committed to doing all we can to support and resource the clergy entrusted to us, both stipendiary and self-supporting.We take clergy well-being extremely seriously and want to be as supportive and helpful as we can. Since 2014, clergy have been invited to respond to an annual well-being survey as a way of helping the bishop and his leadership team to monitor what is going well and the issues clergy face which we may be able to address. We encourage clergy to take their full holiday entitlement and days off, and have undertaken work around claiming and being reimbursed for expenses. Occupational Health visits can be arranged for clergy who are sick, and confidential counselling is available through the Inter-Diocesan Counselling Service. There are various other tools which further underpin our commitment to clergy well-being. These include grants for clergy need. Clergy SabbaticalsOur sabbatical guidelines for stipendiary clergy tell you everything you need to know about taking a sabbatical - eligibility, guidance, process and funding information. Retired Clergy and Widow(er)sPlease see the Retired Clergy page for information for retired clergy and pastoral care of clergy widows, widowers and partners. Facebook group for self-isolating clergyPlease join the Diocese of Manchester Facebook group for self-isolating and shielded clergy during the Coronavirus crisis and beyond. Clergy who can get out and about and are feeling the pressures of ministry at this time are welcome to use this group to ask for prayer and moral support. Please consider this group a safe space to support one another, share your personal experiences of lockdown and accepting the feeling of desire to work alongside others, whilst not being able to do so. Unite the UnionThe Church of England Clergy Advocates is a professional association of clergy in the Church of England. It is a professional sector of Britains largest union, Unite. Membership is open to all clergy. The Church of England Clergy Advocates network of Accredited Representatives provide advice, support, and representation. Visit Unite website Support NetworksGrants for Clergy and their FamiliesThis list of charities is an attempt to summarise some of the principle sources of grants and funds for clergy and their families. National charities listed here can also be helpful, and may be worth contacting for specific assistance. |
