New Christian Care training is improving the way that Anglicare cares for those in need. Since rolling out the training last year, more than 1200 lifestyle carers and staff members have participated in upwards of 120 workshops, encouraging them to consider how God’s love transforms the care they provide to residents, clients and colleagues.

“Jesus Christ is at the heart of who we are as an organisation,” explains Jenni Sawyer, who heads up the new training. “Christian Care is about honoring him as we work and serve together in a way that enriches lives and strengthens communities.”

The Christian Care training and workshops stemmed from discussions three years ago about how Anglicare as an organisation can offer care that is uniquely Christ-like. “People are loved, valued, and worthy of care because we are all made in God’s image,” Mrs Sawyer says.

She also wanted to provide greater staff support, and give people time for reflection and conversations around the care they offer.

The three-hour workshop is mandatory for all Anglicare staff, and allows them to spend time together considering the foundation and uniqueness of the care they provide.

“As the course continues to encourage people to reflect on God’s love displayed through his son, we hope to see it transform the way our staff view each other and the people in our care,” Mrs Sawyer says. “We are prayerfully seeking a heart change that will lead to greater care and compassion for the people we serve.”

The course has already made a positive impact on the way staff provide care. Ria is one of Anglicare’s lifestyle carers at Warrina Village in Castle Hill and spends time looking after Reg, a resident who is unable to speak since suffering from a stroke. The only way Reg can communicate is slowly, via his iPad, typing questions and answers. Often it was easier and quicker for staff to assume Reg’s needs rather than wait for him to type out his requests.

After attending the Christian Care training, Ria has resolved to give Reg time to express himself. Since exercising patience with Reg, she’s noticed a change in the way he responds to her visits, and credits the training for this change.

Other staff also say that Reg appears more motivated and determined to return to independent walking.

Ria is not the only staff member seeing the impact of the training on her work. Mrs Sawyer is thrilled that staff across Anglicare are speaking highly of the course.

“Many have stated how helpful it has been to see the ‘bigger picture’,” she says. “Some of our non-Christian staff have commented that course has helped their understanding of Jesus and what we stand for as an organisation that seeks to follow his example.

“There are frequent comments about learning who Jesus is, about his love, and how to apply that love to the workplace.”

At the end of the day, this is exactly what Mrs Sawyer longs for, for all Anglicare staff. “We hope people leave the training sessions inspired by Christ and wanting to care for others better.”