Non-Religious Pastoral Care

A discussion of good non-religious pastoral care practice includes the beliefs and values on which it is founded, its person-centred approach, required skills and capabilities and ethical considerations. This book, which is packed full of useful pedagogical features including a glossary, case-studies, questions for discussion, and practical step-by-step guides of pastoral care best practice in a range of settings (including prisons, hospitals, hospices, higher education and the military), will be required reading for anyone engaged in providing pastoral care.

David Savage took a leading role in establishing the non-religious pastoral care programme at Humanists UK. In 2012 he started to provide pastoral care at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and was the first non-religious person to successfully complete their spiritual healthcare department's two-year professional training course. He continues to provide care at the Trust and is helping to found a non-religious pastoral care role at the University of Surrey. Dr Savage is chair of the board of the Non-Religious Pastoral Support Network.

Acknowledgements ; Foreword ; 1 Introduction; PART I: THE SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT; 2 The Development of Pastoral, Spiritual, and Religious Care Practice; 3 Public Perceptions of Chaplains and Non-Religious Pastoral Carers; 4 Religious, and Non-Religious Beliefs in Society; Part II: NON-RELIGIOUS PASTORAL CARE PRACTICE; 5 Beliefs and Values; 6 Roles, Skills, and Competencies; 7 Death, Rituals, and Memorials; 8 Ethical Behaviour; Part III: THE ROLE OF THE INSTITUTIONS; 9 Introduction; 10 Understanding People's Needs; 11 Effective Communications; 12 Better Recruitment; 13 Policy and Practice Development; Index