Spiritual and Pastoral Care

Waverley Care offers pastoral and spiritual support to people living with HIV, their loved ones and carers.

The service offers non-judgemental pastoral support whether or not someone is connected with a religious community or has a religious belief system.

Many users of the service find it useful to gain support from someone not involved in their healthcare, financial support or other tangible part of their lives. Conversations with the service co-ordinator can cover anything from everyday topics such as cooking or gardening through to more religious topics such as angels or bereavement.

In addition to one-to-one and work with families, the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Co-ordinator works with religious leaders and faith groups in Scotland on issues relating to HIV. In particular work focuses on preventing stigma and discrimination in faith communities and encourages people to recognise the value of early HIV testing and the benefits of accessing treatment.

Our Spiritual and Pastoral Care Co-ordinator is also responsible for the `Life Tribute`. The life tribute is a place for all those affected by HIV/AIDS. It’s a permanent site, situated on the Water of Leith walkway in the centre of Edinburgh. Nearest access can be gained from the gallery of modern art (cross the bridge and turn left) or Magdala Crescent.

‘If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the silent way
Grieve not
Nor speak of me with tears
But laugh and talk of me as if I were beside you there’
(Isla Paschal Richardson)

Contact: Marion Chatterley - 0131 312 9957 / 07771 982163
spiritualcare@waverleycare.org