I really welcome this initiative. There are hundreds of shop and office workers in the city centre, with real issues of life that can now be offered support, help, guidance and compassion through this vision - and churches can demonstrate their unity and mission in Christ too. Wonderful news!
Graham Penny, Graham Penny Auctions and Estates, St James Street
For my year as Mayor of the City of Derby I have adopted the theme of 'Service' and Derby City Centre Chaplaincy exemplifies this in a very innovative way. By providing over 20 volunteer chaplains to the commercial and business heart of the city they are able to offer support all those who work in the city. While the chaplains are Christian men and women they are not there to 'preach' to you but to provide you with a listening ear as a supportive friend. I have great pleasure in commending them to you and hope that the friendship between you develops strongly.
Les Allen, The Mayor of the City of Derby
Most of us spend 40 + hours a week in the work place and we don't leave our problems at home … they come to work with us and we all need someone there to listen to care and to help us…At night those people are called Street Pastors.. In Derby if you are in the retail trade they are called City Centre Chaplains. I think they do an amazing job at just that; listening to people, caring for people and helping people in their places of work so that life's inevitable troubles doesn't wear them down…. I think they are great and I'm thrilled that Street Pastors and Derby City Mission are both friends and partners… Most of all I'm glad that ordinary Christians are helping Derby to be a better place to both live and work…. Good on 'em !
Alasdair Kay, Chief Executive Derby City Mission
Westfield is fully supportive of the launch of this new initiative. It's great to see some of our retailers already making use of the chaplaincy service and we look forward to seeing it grow within Derby.
Janine Bone, Westfield Senior Manager
Derbyshire Constabulary are dedicated to working in partnership with local communities. I look forward to seeing the newly formed chaplaincy service develop. The idea of having pastoral support for the employees of many businesses within the City through the city centre Chaplaincy is another opportunity to improve community cohesion.
Andy Hough, Former Chief Superintendent
Churches Together in Derbyshire is very happy to endorse and encourage Derby City Centre Chaplaincy and we certainly wish you well in these exciting plans.
Revd Philip Webb, Former County Ecumenical Development Officer
Workplace Chaplaincy in Derbyshire is glad to give encouragement and support to the Derby City Centre Chaplaincy.
John Davies, Chair, Workplace Chaplaincy in Derbyshire