Background
St Luke’s has become increasingly aware of the need for chaplains serving Gypsy, 
Roma and Traveller Communities across the UK to be more supported. We listened and learned from clergy who were experiencing high degrees of misunderstanding and discrimination from both their cleric peers and parishioners, resulting in feelings of isolation, frustration and a lack of support, which was adversely affecting their wellbeing.
This was further evidenced by the ecumenical ‘Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community Friendly Churches’ initiative that reports:
“Through our work, we have encountered various forms of hate and ingrained negative stereotypes against the communities, stemming from a lack of cultural awareness and understanding. We are here to help churches build bridges with the communities and support positive engagements within their neighbourhoods”. Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Friendly Churches
As a leader in clergy wellbeing, St Luke’s wanted to explore whether the introduction of a supportive space, to reflect with others who share in this ministry, would have wellbeing benefits and support chaplains who carry out this distinctive role.
The Benefact Trust
St Luke’s approached The Benefact Trust, who generously agreed to fund in full a new initiative – providing chaplains with an online, professionally facilitated, reflective practice group monthly for two years.
Our Aim
Our aim is to reach clergy from across the country and across denominations working within the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Communities. We are seeking to gather themes of the impact reflective groups for chaplains, the experience of supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities, and to keep evaluating and developing the evidence-base for collective pastoral supervision in specialisms.
How to get involved
If you are a chaplain for any of the Gypsy, Roma or Traveller Communities, whether you are Anglican, Catholic or another denomination, we are inviting you to join the reflective practice group, which is facilitated by Revd Dr Guy Harrison.
Guy is a senior accredited member of the Association of Pastoral Supervision & Education (APSE), a former health care chaplain of 26 years, actively engaged in clinical and pastoral supervision, reflective practice and post-incident psychological staff support. Ordained as an Anglican priest in 1994, Guy is a BACP registered counsellor & psychotherapist, and a trained mediator, with a Master’s in Applied Theology and Doctorate in Psychotherapy.
Please get in touch with Zoe Bliss, Administrator, St Luke’s for Clergy Wellbeing at Zoe.Bliss@stlukesforclergy.org.uk for more information.
“It has been a real privilege to be part of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Chaplaincy Support Group. I’ve greatly valued the opportunity to contribute to such an important initiative, and I’m grateful for the wisdom, dedication, and care that has shaped the work from the beginning. As I transition into a new role, I carry with me a deepened appreciation for the needs and strengths of GRT communities, and I remain committed to being an ally wherever I can. With every blessing for the continuing journey of this important work” Revd. Preb. Joseph Fernandes Former London Diocese Chaplain to Gypsies, Roma & Travellers