Dedicated listeners

9th August 2007

• Jill Putnam, Kate Lee and Joan Baiss.

DRUGS, relationship woes and family difficulties are all in a day’s work for this bunch of dedicated listeners.

Members of Chaplaincy About Town (ChAT) help people of all religions, or none, no matter what situation they might find themselves in.

As the name implies, it is a Christian organisation, populated by churchgoers of all denominations.

ChAT is a confidential, non-judgemental listening service open to all, but its volunteers can pass people on to other agencies if the need arises.

Chairman of trustees, Jill Putnam, has lived in Weston since 1975 and is very much at the heart of the organisation as one of its senior chaplains.

The 63-year-old said: “We try to help people just by listening as sometimes they feel they cannot speak to their families about certain things. You get a great feeling from seeing someone feel better about themselves and people do tend to come back more than once.”

Jill’s responsibilities also include the charity’s funding and long term future. 

Churchgoers of all ages are welcome to join the ChAT team’s ranks, subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check which is needed when working with potentially vulnerable people.

ChAT established a base in Meadow Street last year where volunteers can hold appointments. It also doubles as a shop selling a broad range of Fairtrade goods.

Group representatives see between 20-30 people each week and while the organisation boasts more than 30 chaplains, she says more are needed to provide the level of service they would ideally like to give.  Current members include former publicans, housewives and nurses.

THE FACTS:
• Name of club: Chaplaincy about Town.
• Founded: 2006.
• Who the club caters for: Anyone who would like to share their problems about drugs, relationships, family issues or who just wants a friendly chat.
• Meeting place and time: 67 Meadow Street, Weston. Call in for appointments.
• Chairman of Trustees: Jill Putnam
• Who to contact for more details: Lead chaplain Andy Sewell on 01934 643533 or email enquiries@westonchat.org.uk