Dissertation Library

This library-based dissertation argues that chaplaincy engages with the spiritual needs of young people in hospital in three ways: through presence, preparedness and process and that these three factors lead to practice implementations for paediatric chaplaincy.

Presence relates to the role and person of the chaplain and recognises the significance of being able to create a safe space in which kindness, compassion and active listening can support young people as they make sense of their deepest needs.  Preparedness is the knowledge and expertise that chaplains require in order to understand what spiritual needs are and how they are affected by the age and development of a young person. Process encompasses the way in which chaplaincy assesses spiritual needs and the interventions that result from that assessment.

This dissertation proposes that a specialist training programme is required to ensure that paediatric chaplains have the necessary knowledge and skills to engage with the spiritual needs of young people.