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Faith and Health


Recently, speaking to the Diocese of Truro, Revd Paul Holley succinctly expressed his views and ministry on wellbeing:


“The intertwining of faith and health has been at the heart of the Church’s ministry from the beginning. What we can demonstrate in Bodmin is how this work can be renewed in partnership with the NHS amidst significant health inequalities.


“With the aid of parish nurses and NHS-funded Community Health and Wellbeing Workers, we are making a major difference to the quality of people’s lives.”


Revd Holley’s discussion with the diocese is about the Faith and Health Conference planned for 2026 by Bodmin Way and HeartEdge. One topic will explore how faith communities can work with the NHS.

Several key speakers will be taking part at the two-day event on the 3rd and 4th of March 2026, at St. Petroc’s Church, Bodmin.


Revd Holley is Team Rector of the Bodmin Team Ministry, chair of Bodmin Way and former founder and coordinator of the Anglican Health Network. During as a minister in Switzerland he worked with the Anglican representation to the United Nations to help map out church health projects in different parts of the world. In response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, it was important for health leaders to speak to their communities about ways of combatting the disease. Paul worked with the World Health Organization and UNAIDS to improve their relationship with Anglican churches.


The Anglican Health Network revealed a wide range of projects that made a difference to people’s health and wellbeing. It was the community-based initiatives that particularly impressed Paul. Coming to Bodmin he was able to draw from that experience to help create Bodmin Way and its projects.


Revd Paul conversing with the newly appointed Parish Nurse (designate) Juliet Stewart


Within a decade Paul’s vision has become a reality. The team now has three Parish Nurses and two Parish Nurse Assistants. Weekly café gathering, such as Time Together and Community Cuppa brings people together with a parish nurse on hand to talk issues through in confidence. Several other weekly events welcome the nurses as well as CHWWs.


Community Health and Wellbeing Workers (CHWWs), an NHS initiative, support residents in many and varied ways and Health Coaches help people think through health issues and the best way to tackle them.


Bodmin Way Larder fights against food waste while providing food to members at a low cost.


More information:


Link on website to conference:

 

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