May 2016 update

Prison
I continue with the chaplaincy work in
prison. Am enjoying still delivering the
sycamore tree program in prison. We aim
to do another 4 this year. It continues to be
a challenging place to work with the cuts
and staff shortages. I am also exploring
option os a more permanent position that
is part time to allow exploring the mental
health work too.
Health
My health has been a real challenge. I
continue to find ways of carrying this
chronic illness known as FSGS. I did have a
check up this week which highlighted an
increment in the albumin in my blood
which was wonderful news! In the doctors
words, the kidneys seem to be repairing
themselves! the journey continues. I hold
on with hope. I take my meds. I find a
balance between, work rest and play.

Royal Bethlem
At the beginning of the year I landed an
opportunity

to

explore

restorative

justice

through delivery of Sycamore Tree in a medium

secure unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital. We
have run one course and just started the second
one.

It

has

been

deeply

enriching

and

enlightening work. We are evaluating the pilot

as part of exploring RJ in mental health. I am
presenting a paper on behalf of the team at the
European Forum for Restorative Justice in June
in

Holland.

am

excited

by

this

new

development in my work.

church
We have been on a massive journey with church.
We decided to stop attending The Bear on
Sunday mornings to try and explore more local
opportunities for mission. We still feel very much
part of it through the relationships we have
there. The kids are enjoying the youth stuff there
and more locally. We are very spiritually alive
but wanting to finding new ways to express and
live out faith that are not exclusively about
Sunday mornings.

Family
We love family times. Recently went to
china town for Savannahs birthday. We had
some time in North wales over Easter
break. We are visiting France in the
summer to use a friends home in
Burgundy. The kids are doing ok at school.
We love having Woody in the family. He is
fun and has lots of energy. Lucy continues
her work and keeping the home together.

Future
The future is looking exciting. I am 2 years into
my diploma at college and complete the
diploma next year. I have yet to decide about a
degree. I am hoping to secure a more
permanent position in prison chaplaincy. I am
waiting to see how the mental health work
shapes up with a possibility of delivering it in
other places. We continue to enjoy living in
Thank you for your ongoing love and
support. If you have any questions or
comments we would be glad to chat
further.
Love
Fin for the family.

south London and have lovely neighbours.