Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Buddy Owen and I am the Pastor (Leader) at HOPE Church Wirral (We’re on Station Road in Hoylake, by the roundabout), where I have been for seven and a half years. I will be joined in offering chaplaincy here at UTS by a small team from the church. We are all either fully trained, or being trained and certified in chaplaincy. I am a member of Sports Chaplaincy UK, if you would like more information about them, please go to www.sportschaplaincy.org.uk. It is a privilege to be allowed by UTS the opportunity to make this service available to you, and everyone at UTS.

I will explain in the following paragraphs what Chaplaincy is, and is not. If you have any questions please do not hesitate in asking, and always remember this: we are here for you, not you for us. You take the lead and we follow, we do not chase. Let me explain.

Four principles of Sports Chaplaincy UK: Presence, Relationship, Confidentiality, and Humility.

  1. Presence: The team and I will be present. We will attempt to organise with you a time when you can access us — if you wish. We will aim to be around every week, either here at the gym, or at a recognised meeting place, like a local café. Our hope is that over the coming weeks and months you will see us regularly as we make ourselves present.
  2. Relationship: As we make ourselves present, and you choose to get to know us, we hope that the result is a relationship. Again, this is not something we will force, but we are here if you want to chat.
  3. Confidentiality: We operate under strict terms of confidentiality. We know that many of you have undergone varying degrees of trauma. You may feel unable to share the depth of that trauma, or the hurt it has caused, with many people, for fear of upsetting them. We are here to listen. You can share as much or as little as you want and know that it will go no further, and there will be no judgment. Again, our hope is that as we are present, relationships will be built and you will grow to trust us.
  4. Humility: We do not have all the answers. We are here to listen and to serve you. You set the agenda and the pace.


What is Chaplaincy?
You see a doctor to address your illness. You are courageously attending sessions at UTS to build up your physical strength and confidence. In simple terms, chaplaincy is an offer to help care for your emotional and spiritual health. We are not here to hassle you. We are here to listen, and if you ask, then respond. We are here for people of all faiths and none. We look forward to getting to know you!

Buddy Owen (and the Hope Church Chaplaincy Team)
HOPE Church Wirral
Station Road, Hoylake
www.hope-church.co.uk