Diocese of Carlisle

In this section

Diocesan Support

Sanctuary Days

We run a regular programme throughout the year to complement our wellbeing suite of resources. These are available for clergy to sign-up to as required. These include seminars from leading experts in wellbeing, and sanctuary retreat days. There is a mixture of in-person and online events. Keep an eye on the diocesan social media for upcoming events.

Reflective Practice Group

In the Diocese of Carlisle, we offer a support system known as a reflective practice group (RPG). We run regular cohorts of RPG’s as an additional layer of support for our clergy outside of the demands of the parish. An RPG is designed to offer tailored support in a group setting facilitated by a trained practitioner. It is an opportunity for some focussed support and reflection on ministry and life. It forms part of a continuing ministerial development portfolio. RPG’s have had excellent results in supporting clergy in their unique contexts, providing peer support, and offering some building blocks for mutual flourishing.

  • If you would like to be part of the next cohort please contact Steve Minto.

Inter Diocesan Counselling Service

Offers professional counselling to Clergy, Licensed Lay ministers, Ordinands and their families. The service was set up in 1985, at the request of the bishops of five NW dioceses, in order to provide a professional counselling service that would be both free and independent of diocesan structures. 

  • Click here to access this service.

Listening Service

The Cumbria Ecumenical Spirituality Group is providing a listening service which can be accessed through the spiritual direction network. The listening service provides one-off hour long telephone or online video confidential sessions. To enquire please contact Ruth Lee who organises the spiritual direction network on sd.cesg@gmail.com

Healing Adviser

Dr Alison Fleetwood has been the diocesan healing adviser since 2015. Alison is a part-time GP and lecturer at the University of Lancaster. She offers support across the diocese to promote the wholeness and healing of all of God’s people. Alison has a specialist interest in prayer and healing ministry.

The Henry Smith Charity

The purpose of grants from the Henry Smith Charity is to assist parochial clergy in financial need at a time of crisis or acute need, where this could be detrimental to your ministry. The need may arise from family circumstances (e.g. a family with children and only one income), unusual or emergency expenditure which strains family finances (e.g. illness, disability, expensive car repairs) or simply the need for a family holiday after a period of stress and exhaustion whether through personal issues or the challenge of ministering in difficult parishes.

For further information please contact felicity.wiseman@carlislediocese.org.uk