Our minister Rev James Reeves co-leads a Listening Service & Chaplaincy Team at Nova Hreod Academy in partnership with local churches.

The Listening Service works within the framework and boundaries of ‘mentoring’. The Listening Service is not counselling. Each ‘listener’ is trained in ‘listening’ and ‘mentoring’. Listeners offer a ‘listening’ space for students to speak about anything that is on their mind for up to 30 minutes and offer ‘guidance’ (mentorship) in response.

Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance, and become the person they want to be.

The Chaplaincy is a collection of local churches and Christian organisations which are committed to supporting the staff and students at Nova Hreod Academy. The Chaplaincy exists to assist with the spiritual care and pastoral support and development of young people and staff and can contribute to SMSC development across the whole of the school. Our aim is to encourage and nurture young people as we journey alongside them.

We see the Chaplaincy being something that will support young people in their welfare, wellbeing and faith and bring a sense of wholeness to the community. The Chaplaincy team members are:

• Serving within your community, supporting students and staff welfare, wellbeing and faith
• Helping to develop a sense of community by bringing faith, acceptance, belonging and value
• Offering a consistent presence and safe space for staff and students that is confidential and neutral (within safeguarding protocol)
• A champion for those who are struggling, experiencing distress, loss or feeling out of place
• Encouraging reflective moments and providing spiritual inspiration around themes such as value, identity, attitudes and beliefs