Anna Chaplaincy – a ministry of the Christian charity BRF – has been established specifically to provide care for older people, especially those living in care homes and sheltered accommodation, and to their families and the staff that look after them.

Anna Chaplains also promote the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges living independently.  Anna Chaplaincy aims to reach out to those of all faiths and none within the diverse community across the diocese.  Bishop Jonathan made care for older people one of his two main priorities, in his presidential address at the April 2022 meeting of our Diocesan Synod, aiming to create a network of Anna Chaplains across the diocese.  

If you would like to learn more then please come along o our information and workshop event on Friday 2nd February at 1pm in Beckett Hall.  This will conclude with time for networking whilst enjoying some sandwiches and cake, prior to the Candlemas Service at 5.45pm where our Anna Chaplaincy mission will be celebrated. If you are interested in joining us, please let us know by emailing, with your name and any dietary requirements by Monday 28th January to annachaplaincy@portsmouth.anglican.org 

The idea of Anna Chaplaincy was pioneered by former Meridian TV presenter Debbie Thrower and the concept was taken up by the Christian charity BRF.  Anna Chaplains are named after the widow, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s gospel; both are good role models of faithful older people.