Nidhin’s Story

I’m a Spiritual Care Worker at St Gemma’s and recently completed a Postgraduate Qualification in Chaplaincy through the Manchester Luther King Centre, awarded by Durham University. The course explored key areas including Chaplaincy in the Organisational Context, Chaplaincy and Christian Mission, and Reflective Practice Placement. It has significantly deepened my understanding of spiritual care and enabled me to become a full member of the UK Board of Healthcare Chaplaincy (UKBHC), having previously been an associate member since 2020.

Since 2019, I’ve been working as a Spiritual Care Practitioner and Chaplain in NHS hospitals and hospices. This PG Cert qualification has helped me offer more meaningful support to patients and families, especially during difficult times when spiritual, pastoral , emotional, or religious needs arise. It has also strengthened my reflective practice and enhanced my skills in active listening, being fully present, and assessing spirituality with greater sensitivity and confidence.

For the past two years, I’ve been proud to be part of St Gemma’s Hospice. It’s a special place where people find peace, hope, meaning, and connection in the final phase of life. Even as they face emotional struggles and physical challenges due to illness, the Hospice provides person-centered care that truly makes a difference.

I believe this course has helped me grow in ways that truly reflect St Gemma’s values. 

Through deeper reflective practice and enhanced skills in active listening and presence, I’ve become more attuned to each person’s unique needs – living out the value of Caring with greater compassion and awareness.

By learning new approaches to assess spirituality and support people from diverse backgrounds, I’ve embraced the value of Aspiring, always striving to improve the quality of care I offer.

And by applying these skills consistently and thoughtfully, I’ve strengthened my Professional contribution to our team and to the individuals and families we serve.

I’m very thankful to Gill [St Gemma’s Spiritual Care Co-Ordinator], my colleagues in the Family Support Team, and all the staff at St Gemma’s. I also want to thank the chaplaincy team at MFT NHS Trust for their support. Their encouragement helped me achieve this, even while balancing work, church duties as a priest, and family life.