Spirituality in the context of Health and Social Care can be seen as the need for a ‘deep-seated sense of meaning and purpose in life, together with a sense of belonging.’
There is a growing interest in the way in which spirituality in Health and Social Care and in particular the way in which spirituality influences practice in health and social care. The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) together with NIMHE have sponsored a two year project focussing on this area. Since 1999 there has been a Special Interest Group on Spirituality and Psychiatry within the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Spirituality in the context of Health and Social Care can be seen as the need for a ‘deep-seated sense of meaning and purpose in life, together with a sense of belonging – spirituality is about acceptance, integration and wholeness.’ Royal College of Psychiatrists fact sheet on Spirituality and Mental Health (2006).
Spirituality is about much more than traditional religion and religious practice and recognises the deep-seated needs of those who may not believe in God or a higher being. It recognises the concept of universal and deep seated values which may often transcend traditional religious beliefs and practice and focuses on the processes of inner healing as well as traditional ‘cures’.
Telos Training is committed to quality training in the area of spirituality in care settings. In our experience a real understanding of and commitment to these issues helps to embed a culture of diversity and equal opportunities in a multi-cultural care environment as well as focussing on a holistic approach to practice. Our programmes are geared from awareness raising workshops for Senior Managers as well as Board Members and Councillors to more in-depth workshops in which practitioners can develop their practice in this area in a safe and nurturing environment.
Some reactions from a recent programme for Mental Health staff and Care Managers delivered by Ben Bano: