A new leader has been appointed to head a town’s chaplaincy team.
Heather Culshaw will take up the post as lead chaplain for Taunton Team Chaplaincy following the retirement of Adrian Prior-Sankey after more than a decade of service in the role.
The chaplaincy provides support across care homes, the railway and magistrates’ courts, as well as continuing its long-standing service among homeless people, retailers and office staff.
Heather, a former Salvation Army officer, joins the team with recent experience from the Hinkley Point C chaplaincy.
She said: "For me, chaplaincy is one of the most powerful ways to share God’s love beyond church walls.
"The ministry is about being present, visible, and willing to walk with people where they are.
"I look forward to leading the Taunton Chaplaincy Team with a vision rooted in hope, faithful presence and relational ministry."
Her husband, Jon, has recently been appointed Corps Officer (minister) at Taunton Salvation Army Corps, and together they have two older teenage children.
Known for her willingness to embrace new challenges, Heather previously completed a tandem skydive to raise awareness and funds for The Salvation Army’s anti-human trafficking work.
Heather steps into the role at a time of renewed vision and refocus for the chaplaincy team, which includes more than 30 volunteer chaplains drawn from churches across the Taunton area.
Adrian will continue his honorary chaplaincy roles with the Royal British Legion, the Sea Cadets, and the Mayor of Taunton.
Heather will be formally commissioned at a service of welcome at Taunton Salvation Army Hall at 7pm on Monday, June 29.
The Rt Revd Dr Fiona Gibson, the new Bishop of Taunton, will speak at the event.
Anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact the Chaplaincy Office at info@tauntontc.co.uk.
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