Times have changed since hospital chaplaincy was thought of as mainly Anglican. It now involves clergy and other appropriate personnel from many faiths and humanist organisations, as well as from several Christian denominations. Chaplains, or spiritual advisors as they are sometimes called, are increasingly valued as contributors to the work of multi-disciplinary in-patient and community mental health services.

A properly resourced, modern mental health chaplaincy or pastoral care department should have access to sacred space. The chaplains will have made a point of establishing good relations with local clergy and faith communities, and will provide information about local religious groups and their traditions and practices. They will be aware of situations in which an individual’s understanding of religious beliefs and activities seem to be unhelpful to them.

Advice should be available on controversial issues, such as spirit possession and the ministry of deliverance. Close liaison with the mental health team supports a holistic approach in which the ‘whole-person’ needs of the individual can be best understood and met.

Psychiatrists, patients and carers should all be fully informed of local chaplaincy services.