Life can be difficult at times for everyone and whilst we make no claim to know the answers, we can offer a range of supportive activity that might make things a little easier for you. Follow the links here for various ways we may be able to help and don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Parish Visitors Bereavement Visitors Home Communion Visiting Residential Homes Memory Club Prayer Christian Healing Newport Pagnell Educational Trust
PARISH VISITORS
We have a team of people who are ready and willing to go out to visit members of the congregations and others who might appreciate a visit from someone from one of our churches. The reasons vary, it may be because they’re elderly, housebound, in a care home, suffering from illness or recently bereaved. It may be they are just lonely or struggling and in need of some company. Those in hospital may also benefit from a visit from a team member.
On visits we are happy to worship and pray with people, and share Holy Communion, as well as have a good chat. Sometimes we'll just chat if that’s what people want. We always contact people by phone in the first instance and only visit if they are happy for us to do so. All team members are required to have regular DBS checks and relevant safeguarding training.
If you feel that a parish visitor could help you or a member of your family, please contact Beth MacKay, Parish Visiting Coordinator
beth.mackay@yahoo.co.uk
01908 612475
BEREAVEMENT VISITORS
Losing a loved one is hard
If you'd like someone to talk to, please get in touch with the Parish Visiting Team from the Anglican churches in Newport Pagnell and we'll arrange for someone to visit you and provide a listening, caring ear. We're not professional bereavement counsellors but sometimes it just helps to talk.
You can get in touch with us by contacting:
Beth Mackay (Parish Visiting Coordinator)
01908 612475
beth.mackay@yahoo.co.uk
or Rev Nick Evans (Rector)
01908 612244
nickevans49@outlook.com
HOME COMMUNION
Members of our Parish Visiting Team are authorised by the Rector to distribute Holy Communion to those that are housebound, for whatever reason. They will come at a pre-arranged time, spend some time in conversation and then lead you through a short service of Home Communion.
If you or a family member would like to receive Home Communion, please contact Beth MacKay, Parish Visiting Coordinator
beth.mackay@yahoo.co.uk
01908 612475
Several of the residential homes in Newport Pagnell are visited monthly by members of the Parish Visiting Team to conduct a short service and to distribute Holy Communion to the residents.
Currently these homes are visited monthly:
· Castlemead on the first Wednesday
· Lathbury Manor on the fourth Wednesday
· Tickford Abbey on the first Monday
· Westbury Grange is visited regularly by appointment
Often hymns will be sung and prayers shared.
If you have a friend or family member at one of these care homes and you think they would like to attend, please contact the care home manager and Parish Visiting Coordinator to ensure their presence.
Beth MacKay, Parish Visiting Coordinator
beth.mackay@yahoo.co.uk
01908 612475
MEMORY CLUB
Newport Pagnell Memory club is for people experiencing memory loss, dementia or cognitive impairment. Our target audience is those living in the community in their own homes and managing with some support from others. The sociable, friendly atmosphere has proved popular and it's now in its 8th year of operation. The aim of the club is for members to enjoy themselves and let their strengths and abilities flourish. We provide stimulating group activities to build confidence and be a place where members can support each other to continue to live as well as possible. We encourage people to attend without their carers; while carers enjoy a short break, members can obtain enhanced self-esteem as a result of doing something independently.
Our team of volunteers are dementia aware and trained in safeguarding; they offer a safe, warm and welcoming environment and are on hand to assist throughout. We provide light refreshments and ask carers to let us know of any dietary restrictions. We ask for a donation of £2 per meeting.
The Memory club meets at The Brooklands Centre, Ousebank Street, Newport Pagnell on the second and fourth Thursday afternoon each month from 2.15-4.15pm.
We are part of the community outreach of Newport Pagnell Parish church; the church provides us with important administrative and insurance support. Contact Hazel Reynolds on 07518 412 389 or email hazel_reynolds@hotmail.co.uk
Hazel can often suggest additional sources of support to families affected by dementia.