UK Register of Spiritual Caregivers
There is a substantial and growing community of our population that identifies as spiritual-not-religious and requires appropriate support in healthcare, education and other relevant circumstances.
The UKRSC is a register of volunteers and professionals who provide this compassionate care.
Our members are service and community oriented and have a deep respect for all faiths. Our approach is holistic and person-centred.
Our commitment is to:
- Listen with compassion, discretion and respect
- Be calm, centred and kind in challenging circumstances
- Take quiet time for grace, healing and guidance
- Value every individual’s spirituality
- Cooperate with other support agencies
- Respect the unique provision of traditional faith communities
The UK Register of Spiritual Caregivers is hosted by the Spiritual Companions Trust, which administers the Register and maintains its Code of Conduct.
The Register recognises qualifications from caring sectors, including counselling, psychotherapy, nursing, medicine, spiritual healing and our own qualification the Diploma in Practical Spirituality & Wellness. (We require a Level 3 Listening Skills qualification or its equivalent.)
Benefits to Members
Your professional and volunteering opportunities are enhanced by your listing on the Register. Your name on the Register signifies to others that you are:
- Committed to the highest standards of compassionate listening
- Competent, kind and trustworthy
- Aligned with an approach that is spiritual but not religious
You will also have access to regular CPD events including:
- Developing daily spiritual practice and its health benefits
- How to Teach and Lead Meditation
- Spirituality and Mental Health
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Q & A
Q:
I am a counsellor/psychotherapist. My approach is rooted in compassion and mindfulness.
At this point in my career, I am interested in expanding my knowledge to work with end of life.
My question is that it seems I fulfil the criteria to join the Register but do you have any idea how I can go from that to actual voluntary work in a hospice or hospital? It seems very difficult to get into this field but I’m guessing this is part of the purpose of the register? Just looking for a bit more information before I sign up
A:
Thanks for asking. Yes, you are right. We are part of the general movement inside the chaplaincy and pastoral world to be more diverse and inclusive. And the Register is precisely our way of providing a passport to help practitioners into this domain.
At the same time, as with all professional and voluntary roles, the gatekeepers will have their criteria and sensibilities. So they will look at CVs and interview.
That said, the general cultural situation is shifting quite fast and the culture wars (canceling etc) is aiding increased diversity.
So If you join the UKRSC you will (1) have something that will aid your working in a more explicit spiritual context and (2) be part of supporting a cultural shift.
We hope that helps.
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