Its 6:45am and the alarm sounds rather abruptly, I suppose it's not that early really but still a shock to the system. After a quick awakening shower and some breakfast, we head off from our home in Portishead to the Bristol Crown Courts.
We always meet as a team for 30mins at Small Street Expresso at 9am and the hit of caffeine is certainly appreciated before we head into the courts at 9:30am.
Passing through security we share some friendly banter with the security guards before we enter into the large entrance area. As 10am approaches, people start to arrive at the courts.
We say hello and welcome people with a smile and help to signpost everyone to the place they need to be if they are unsure of where they are going. They could be court staff, barristers, defendants, victims, witnesses, families and friends, the police and many others, regardless of who they are and why they are at the courts, they are offered the same smile and friendly welcome.
Its not long before the entrance area becomes quiet and we head off around the building. A visit to the probation service, the witness suite, the NHS mental health nurse and a regular banter with a passing security guard.
We move on and slowly wander the corridors, passing the waiting areas outside each of the 10 court rooms. We take the time to chat and to spend time with those that are perhaps struggling with the stress of the day. Having someone to simply sit with them to listen makes a huge difference, reducing their stress and anxiety, keeping their mind off the approaching court hearing.
In our conversations we often have the opportunity to talk about faith and offer to pray for those we are helping and supporting. We sometimes accompany people into court and sit with them in the gallery for their hearing, again being a comfort and bringing peace in the situation.
Fridays are normally sentencing days so this can bring an additional aspect to the day. People arriving with a bag of belongings, expecting an inevitable sentence.
As lunchtime approaches the courts adjourn and everyone disperses. We head back outside at 1pm, and with a goodbye, we are on with our day.
We have many stories of the opportunities we have had to support people during our chaplaincy sessions. We can’t unfortunately relay them here in writing but can share them in person, if you're interested.
We are currently growing our team and looking for new people to join with us. The commitment can be as low as once a month and we provide all the training you need.
Why not join us for a ‘taster day’ and shadow our team for one of their courts chaplaincy sessions to explore if this exciting ministry could be for you.
For more info please contact Lois at info@bristolchaplaincy.co.uk