"To me, being a chaplain means being present in people’s lives, throughout their most difficult times."
Chaplain Vicki Mcphee is one of BaptistCare's 77 chaplains. She is currently the HopeStreet Chaplain in Western Sydney, where she works with children and their families.
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23 August 2023
Stories
| HopeStreet
Across BaptistCare, one role stands out as a pillar of strength and guidance, supporting individuals in times of challenges and uncertainty – and that’s Chaplaincy.
At BaptistCare, there are currently 77 chaplains who play a crucial role in fostering emotional well-being, a sense of belonging, and spiritual nourishment regardless of religion.
“We provide a listening ear and confidential assistance. We offer compassion and companionship through times of change, grief and loss, loneliness and isolation, and hurt and disappointment,” Chaplaincy Manager, Carolyn Bourke said.
You will find chaplains across all areas of BaptistCare, from aged care to community support. One of these dedicated chaplains is Vicki McPhee, who serves as the HopeStreet Chaplain, in Western Sydney.
Vicki, who has diplomas in Counselling and Pastoral Counselling began as an agedcare chaplain 15 years ago. Not long after, she moved into supporting counsellors and social workers who assisted families dealing with domestic violence.
“Personally, I’ve always been interested in helping children. I worked on the frontline with abused children, and was the Children’s and Families Ministry Leader and Kid’s Church Leader at my church,” Vicki said.
Her personal and professional experience led to her current role. “I work at a school supporting students who are struggling with strong feelings and emotions.
The majority of my work involves being with them in the classroom or playground, where I’ll sit and listen, or play games and crafts.”
In addition to running group programs for children, and supporting staff, Vicki is also qualified to facilitate the Circle of Security Parenting program.
“In one of my parenting groups, I had a young dad, who said that he didn’t have his own father growing up, so he didn’t know how to be a dad himself. A few weeks later, he shared that he’d managed to calm his son down when he was crying.”
For Vicki, seeing the impact that chaplaincy - and these programs - can have on individuals, is why she does what she does.
“He was so proud and grateful to be a part of the program,” she said.
“To me, being a chaplain means being present in people’s lives, throughout their most difficult times. I want to show people they are not alone in this world, and there are those of us who do care.”
To continue helping children in our community, donate today at baptistcare.org.au/donate