YouthCARE has shown its commitment to the chaplains and people in the Greater Bunbury Region.
The organisation recently held a garden party attended by YouthCARE and community representatives.
The event was designed for people reflect on 2017 and plan for the new year.
YouthCARE chief executive officer Stanley Jeyaraj said the work of chaplaincy was more crucial now than ever before.
“As issues in communities become more complex, the work of chaplains becomes more complex but also more interesting,” he said.
“We think about how we deliver our services so there can be better support and coverage for families.”
YouthCARE area chaplain David Cunniffe said the organisation had 18 chaplains in 26 schools in the South West and has plans to continue services in school communities.
He said the chaplains provided significant assistance to students, staff and the community.
“We don’t claim to have all of the answers or be the experts but we are able to connect people,” he said.
Mr Cunniffe was pleased with last year’s increase in chaplaincy services in the region.
Carey Park and Adam Road Primary School chaplain Susan Moore said students going through difficulties needed people to show them compassion.
“They need somebody that’s there that can help them get out of that space for a while and then they can concentrate on what they are doing,” she said.
South Bunbury Primary School chaplain Cathryn Cox hoped to get to find a greater connection with people involved with the school.
She said her work assisted people in trauma or stressful situations.
“As we’re on the ground at the school, we can responded rather promptly to situations that arise they can actually get the help that they need right when they need it,” she said.
Ms Cox said more opportunities for full-time chaplaincy in schools would provide even greater benefits.
For more information contact 9376 5000 or visit youthcare.org.au.
