virtual Pastoral Care (vPC) Network

We are setting up a virtual pastoral care (vPC) network for the communties we serve.

This vPC network aims to:

1. Collect a list of people, from our communities,  prepared to offer support to a small number of people, say three, in self-isolation. This could include, e.g., regular phone or email contact, help with shopping or other tasks that can be done safely and in accordance with government advice. They would be vPC members.
2. Collect a list of people in self-isolation who would welcome support during their isolation. They would agree to their name, phone and or email details being passed to a vPC member.
3. Match the two lists of people together. In this way, it is hoped that, e.g., 500 people could offer support to 1500 people.

Hence, the vPC network will primarily serve to simply connect people together, and allow them to care for one another themselves at their own risk (the vPC members will not necessarily be vetted members of the St James community, at least in the first instance); guidance will be offered and available here also.

The system will be refined as the pandemic evolves, but it appears in the interests of the community a swift launch is required. Therefore, we will open the lists for both volunteers and those who require support this week (wk beginning 16 March) on the understanding that it will take a short time to put in place surrounding protocols and matching of people between lists.

edited 16/2/20