STAFF at a county hospice have created a “spiritual treasure hunt” to benefit the wellbeing of patients and their loved ones.
Launched last week, the Spiritual Treasure Hunt follows a gentle route through the garden at St Richard’s Hospice in Wildwood Drive, Worcester.
It is for patients staying at the hospice’s In-patient Unit and their loved ones – along with staff and volunteers working in the building.
The trail was created by Lead Chaplain Clare Griffiths and Community Chaplain Sarah Bruce, and is based on an idea developed with volunteers.
The Revd. Canon Griffiths said: “The hospice is blessed with a wonderful outside space. This has become even more valued while our movements inside the building are restricted due to safety measures in place for the pandemic.
“We recognise fresh air, exercise where appropriate, and a connection with nature can benefit spiritual wellbeing.
“We hope the trail will inspire reflection and encourage people to take some time out for themselves. It is a journey that acknowledges difficult emotions and memories, while seeking to recognise people and things that lift up and inspire us.”
It is a spiritual activity, and is for people of all faith backgrounds, and none. There is also a video version of the route available.
The trail begins and ends at the hospice’s Tree of Life sculpture, which is covered in silver leaves dedicated to the memory of loved ones.
There are various stops on the route, with mindful activities to complete along the way. Every person will be given a stone and a flag to lay down, and tie in place, at points along the route.
Canon Griffiths said: “We believe that the spirit is the essence of being human and that we all have a place inside us that needs nurturing in order to make us whole.
“During times of illness, our own and that of a loved one, our spiritual fuel tank can become low. Spiritual care is about helping people to refill the tank, to reconnect with the things that are important to them and to find inner peace and reconciliation amidst outward turmoil.”
Follow this link to read the Spiritual Treasure Hunt booklet..
The hospice is calling for crafty volunteers to make and donate spiritual care flags for its Spiritual Treasure Hunt. The flags should be eight inches square, with ties on two corners to allow them to be attached to a line. They do not need to be hemmed, and can be any colour or fabric.
Finished flags can be sent to Clare Griffiths, Chaplaincy Department, St Richard’s Hospice, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2QT.