Supporting vulnerable communities at home and in South Africa

The Reverend Rachel Dale is Rector of the Watershed Benefice on the border of Staffordshire and Shropshire. An MBA grant enabled her to take part in a silent retreat, to study a theology of dementia, produce new materials for young adults on the autism spectrum and join local charity Link for Life on their trip to South Africa to support Christian charity Hands at Work in Africa with their work in vulnerable communities.

Few recipients have had to contend with a global pandemic, but Revd Dale was able to join pupils from Wolgarston High School and local charity Link for Life Project on a trip to South Africa as chaplain.

The annual trip sees the school join up with the local charity which links local schools, communities and churches with some of the most vulnerable communities in Southern Africa which has been even more needed over the last 18 months.

“I was blessed that I was able to engage with large parts of my sabbatical before lockdown prevented travel at home and abroad and am incredibly thankful for that.

“It was only a few weeks later that the UK-wide lockdown began and we would have been unable to see the amazing work being done to support some of South Africa’s most vulnerable children.

“It was a wonderful experience for all involved, especially visiting the Hands at Work Care Points where our youngsters were involved in preparing meals, helping with maintenance projects, organising play and craft activities and visiting families in their homes, so gaining a greater understanding of the challenges many children face.”

In addition, Revd Dale studied dementia, began to develop new resources for the communions she holds in a local care home, and started to create materials to help prepare young adults on the autism spectrum for baptism and confirmation.

“My time on sabbatical has given me a greater understanding not just of who God needs me to be here and now, but of who I continue to be in God. I have fresh perspectives, too, on how I might best support the changing needs of those I minister amongst.

“I’m grateful for the support Ecclesiastical’s Ministry Bursary Awards have provided me and would encourage other members of the clergy to apply to the scheme to help find the time and space to reflect on their ministry, deepen their relationship with God, and return refreshed and renewed.”

If you're considering a sabbatical and would like to know more, find out about Ecclesiastical’s Ministry Bursary Awards.