A TAUNTON church is set to employ a nurse to help parishioners maintain their health and wellbeing.

The Rev Debbi Turley, vicar of St Peter's Church, Lyngford, and her parochial church council are planning to recruit a 'parish nurse' to cover the Priorswood area.

She announced the plans during a recent service at St Peter's and the process of raising funds for the venture is underway, while a JustGiving appeal is being launched to help attract match funding.

Parish nurses work with people of all ages and backgrounds regardless of their faith through:

  • moral support during a medical crisis;
  • general health advice;
  • signposting to support or medical services;
  • praying for people;
  • clarifying medical procedures or issues;
  • or just listening.

They can act as a link with health and social care services to ensure people use the heath services appropriately and understand their medication, care and condition.

They can also help prevent hospital admissions by following up people when they are discharged from care, are at risk or show early signs of health problems.

They encourage exercise and healthy diets, outline to young people the dangers of unhealthy behaviour and may organise events.

The Rev Viv Henderson, of Taunton Parish Nursing Strategy Group, said: "The project is taking shape and Taunton is one step closer to having its first parish nurse.

"The Rev Debbi Turley with her PCC has caught the vision. She has announced the church's decision to recruit a nurse to work with them in the Priorswood area.

"Debbi has been working together with three Christians from different churches in Taunton on a vision to establish a parish nursing ministry for the Taunton area."

Clare Steele, Sue Allen and the Rev Henderson attracted support in principle for the project from church leaders across the town a couple of years ago.

The Rev Henderson added: "We will continue to support St Peter's through the accreditation process with Parish Nursing Ministries and help secure matching funding.

"Parish nursing is pastoral care through nurses' eyes, as part of a pastoral care ministry of a church or group of churches."

To support the project financially, visit St Peter's JustGiving page when it goes live or contact the church treasurer Carolyn Murphy at carolynjuly56@hotmail.co.uk