For over thirty years, the Melbourne Anglican Foundation has been a key supporter of Anglican healthcare chaplaincy, stepping in to fill the gap left by traditional funding models and healthcare budgets.  

Chaplains offer spiritual support and a compassionate presence in some of life’s toughest moments. Through the Melbourne Anglican Chaplaincy Fund, we've been able to support chaplains who provide spiritual care to patients, families, and staff in healthcare settings across Melbourne. 

Reverend Charlie Fletcher, Vicar at All Saints Clayton and Visiting Chaplain at Monash Medical Centre, reflects on support received from the Melbourne Anglican Foundation:  

“Since becoming Vicar at All Saints Clayton in January 2018, I have been looking for  ways to connect with and serve the hospital community. Facing budget changes last year, positive discussions and a generous grant from the Melbourne Anglican Foundation led to a new beginning for Anglican chaplaincy at the hospital in October. The parish clergy team is offering up to eight hours a week of chaplaincy to the hospital on a flexible basis, available to any patients, visitors or staff who would value time with a Christian chaplain.” 

Reverend Dawn Treloar, Coordinator of Healthcare Chaplaincy for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, highlights the broader impact of chaplaincy: 

“Anglican chaplains in hospitals, aged care, and palliative care units seek to share God’s love with everyone they encounter through their care, presence, listening, and love. How Anglican healthcare chaplaincy is funded has changed, but the need for this outreach continues, and we give thanks for the monies made available through the Melbourne Anglican Foundation. We, your Anglican Chaplains, are called to be the hands of Christ, responding with love to those we encounter.” 

The Melbourne Anglican Foundation is committed to keeping Anglican healthcare chaplaincy alive, filling the gap in funding where it's needed most. So far this year the Foundation has raised $185,000 to support healthcare chaplaincy. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our end of year healthcare chaplaincy fundraising campaign; we are grateful for your continued support. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to ensuring this vital ministry continues to provide care and comfort to patients, families and staff.