Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber supports new workplace chaplaincy and listening service

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has backed a new chaplaincy and listening service for South Yorkshire – saying it will offer vital wellbeing support to employees.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said the new South Yorkshire Chaplaincy & Listening Service brings a crucial support network for employees across the region at a time when demands on employees are at an all-time high.

He said: “I am sure that Chamber members are aware of the huge benefits to be gained from the provision of a non-judgemental listening service and we are happy to endorse the good work you and your colleagues do.”

The new service, available to everyone in the workplace, irrespective of their faith, fills a gap created by the demise of the South Yorkshire Workplace Chaplaincy last year.

Reverend Baz Gascoyne and his wife Rev. Linda Gascoyne are running the service, building on existing active initiatives – the Sheffield Sports Chaplaincy and Sheffield Listening Services.

Leaders from Doncaster and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce joined Andrew in supporting the new scheme which also gained backing from the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and the EEF, the manufacturer’s organisation.

Andy Tuscher, EEF region director Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Effective listening is a much-needed requirement for any healthy, well-functioning community especially a workplace.

“The EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, welcomes any move to encourage workplace support and wellbeing through a listening service. The need for this type of service is as pertinent as ever especially as employees face increasing pressure from all directions.”

Baz Gascoyne said: “This level of support from business organisations is tremendous. We need organisations from across the region to get behind this initiative and spread the word about our service.”

The current 12-strong trained team of chaplain and listeners is expected to rapidly grow into a network across the region offering visits to workplaces, bespoke listening sessions and tailor made support for employees.

The new service will be overseen by an advisory board of trustees including Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chairman Tony Pedder and Sheffield Forgemasters’ former director Peter Birtles.

The board of trustees is looking for potential sponsors from interested companies and individuals and also volunteer chaplains and listeners to help its work.

For further details on the South Yorkshire Chaplaincy and Listening Service visit www.sycls.co.uk or call Baz Gascoyne on 07971 399514.