This intermediate-level study day focuses on supporting people experiencing spiritual distress. It is designed for health and social care professionals working directly with patients or clients in any setting.
Building on foundation-level skills, the course will deepen your understanding of spiritual distress—how to recognise it, assess needs, and offer appropriate support. Topics will include communication skills (including the importance of presence), the role of ritual, spiritual coping strategies, and self-care.
Throughout the day we will encourage the sharing of ideas and experiences. By the end of the course, you will have a broader understanding of the role we can all play in supporting individuals through spiritual distress.
This full-day course will be valuable for those working with people approaching the end of life.
Who can attend?
Registered health and social care professionals.
If you are unsure about suitability, please contact us at [email protected]—we are happy to advise.
Spaces are limited – book early to avoid disappointment.
Location: Sobell House Study Centre, Sobell House Hospice
CPD Credits:
+ Venue
Sobell House Study Centre, Sobell House Hospice
+ Speakers
Cara Heafy -
Cara Heafey works as a team chaplain for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and has been employed in this role since 2020. Within the team she has a particular interest in and responsibility for cancer care, palliative care, and staff wellbeing. Cara is an ordained Minister in the United Reformed Church. Prior to becoming a healthcare chaplain she worked as a Registered Nurse.
Kate Butcher -
Kate is the Education Lead at OxCERPC and a nurse specialist within the hospice. She brings extensive experience in district nursing and community practice development, working with staff across care homes, primary care, and acute settings. In addition to facilitating learning across a wide range of palliative care topics, Kate has been delivering communication skills training for over 14 years at all levels of competence—foundation, intermediate, and advanced. Kate has an MSc in Clinical Leadership and a Post-graduate Certificate in Psychospiritual Care.
+ Course Programmes
Outline of the day:
9am to 4:30pm (Lunch included)
• Recap understanding of spiritual care
• Identifying spiritual distress
• Presence, communication skills
• Case studies
• Spiritual coping
• Assessment tools
• Ritual, boundaries
• Self care
+ Course Aims
The course aims to build on foundation level skills & develop an understanding of spiritual distress.
- Identify
- Assess
- Offer help
