ANNA CHAPLAINCY, which offers spiritual support to older people living in care homes and other residential settings, or living independently, is celebrating ten years as a national movement.

It was founded by the former BBC broadcaster Debbie Thrower in 2010 as a local ministry, and is now part of BRF Ministries (formerly the Bible Reading Fellowship).

Four-hundred Anna Chaplains now exercise this ministry. The network’s ministry lead, Debbie Ducille, and her friend Kate Arden-White, a pastoral worker, celebrated the milestone with a 65-mile sponsored walk from Alton, in Hampshire, to the home of BRF Ministries in Abingdon. 

Wendy Moorin, an Anna chaplain, lead a “Messy Vintage” worship service. “It was such a pleasure to join residents, volunteers, and staff, and we felt very welcomed by everyone,” Mrs Ducille said. “They were clearly enjoying themselves and willing to try new things as part of worship, which was wonderful to see.”

Alison Andre, a volunteer pastoral assistant at the Coombe End Court care home, in Marlborough, and a flautist who uses music in her ministry, said: “I’ve always had a strong faith, but I’ve gravitated to those residents with spiritual questions, which they often raise as they move to an end of their earthly lives. As a Christian, it’s a wonderful way to serve and be with older people.”

Spiritual practices bring comfort and joy, and Christian principles guide the fostering of emotional well-being and help residents to maintain a sense of purpose and identity, the Chaplaincy says.