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Organisations and services offered

These pages are pointers to various Christian organisations or groups serving the public in the Darlington area.

There are many church organisations serving the needs of their own congregations but this listing is for groups offering a service to the general public.

The Bondgate Centre

Bondgate Methodist Church operates a cafe service to the public from 10am to 2.00pm. Normally open every day from Monday to Saturday at the church, the centre offers morning coffee and snacks. From 11.45 cooked meals are available. The food is cooked on the premises and offers excellent value for money. Bondgate church sees this not just a meal service but a place offering friendship, support and pastoral care to all whom seek it.

Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry

The Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry is run by Martin & Mel Stamp as a service to young people and the churches in the Darlington Area. This innovative project was started when Martin & Mel moved into Darlington in the Autumn of 2007. See the news page. Contact Martin & Mel on 01325 710203.

Kings Church Furniture Re-use Scheme

Kings Church in Whessoe Road run a furniture re-use scheme. The church collects used furniture and distributes it to those in need.

Anyone who lives in the borough of Darlington not just the town itself and is on income based benefits is quite welcome to come along and choose whatever items of furniture they would like. They will then deliver these items to you if you require or you can collect them yourself straight away (opening times only). They also accept referrals from third party agencies i.e.. Social Services, EMMA project, Sure Start etc.

For more information visit their web site at www.kingschurchfurniture.net, telephone (01325) 469884 or email john@kingschurchfurniture.net

Hospital Chaplaincy in Darlington

So what’s the chaplaincy for?
To provide pastoral and spiritual support for the hospital community.

Who are the chaplains at the Darlington Hospitals?
Brian Selmes, Linda Peal and Jurgen Muller work in Darlington Memorial Hospital. Colin Jay and Jurgen Muller work in West Park Hospital for the Mental Health Trust. Colin & Jurgen also work in Auckland Park which is a hospital for older people with mental health problems and also takes patients from Darlington.

And what do they do?
They visit the wards and take services, They give pastoral support and counsel to individuals and groups at the bedside and at the chaplaincy centre.

Can anyone in hospital use the chaplaincy?
Yes, patients, relatives, staff, volunteers – chaplains are there for everyone.

Do you have to be religious to talk to a chaplain?
No, chaplains are happy to discuss the issues that are important for each individual person. Every conversation is totally  confidential?

How about “other faiths”?
Chaplains offer personal support to people of all faiths and can, on the patient’s behalf and with the patient’s permission, contact their own faith leader.

How does the chaplaincy work with the churches?
The chaplaincy receives referrals from the churches – from individuals and their clergy and pastors. We in turn are happy to refer people to local churches (with their permission of course).

Who administers the sacraments, Holy Communion & Baptism, in hospital?
Normally the chaplains. All the sacraments of the church are administered in hospital at one time or another, at the bedside or in the chapel. Holy Mass is celebrated in chapel on Thursdays at 10.30am, Holy Communion on Sundays at 11am.

Are church members directly involved in hospital visiting?
Yes. We have a small ecumenical / multi-faith team of visitors.

How might I be able to help the chaplaincy?
* By your prayers.
* By considering joining the team of ward visitors.
* By coming to help take patients along to the Sunday Service.
* By joining the chapel flower-arranging rota.

How do I get in touch?
For Darlington Memorial chaplaincy phone 01325 743029. The contact number for the chaplaincy at West Park Hospital is 01325 552045.