Chaplains are not just around for people as they draw near to the end of their lives. Nor are we just for people who have a religious faith.
People who are ill sometimes ask themselves significant questions about their lives, memories and relationships.
For example:
- why am I suffering?
- does my life have any value?
- who am I now?
- what is the purpose of it all?
- how can I find peace?
Sometimes it helps to have someone alongside you to think things through or to get something off your chest - someone with the time to listen in an affirming and non-judgemental way.
The chaplains can assist in all these things.