What's been happening

The Chaplaincy Team have been busy in the reporting period developing new relations with staff as the continuing changes to the companies based within the airport continue to occur.
Over the period there have been a considerable number of contacts with staff and passengers on a daily basis and many follow up one to one meetings.

There have been a number of issues that the Team have dealt with in relation to faith matters and Manchester Airport. Christmas still raises issues even with all the pro activity from the Team. The confidential bases we now have in all the terminals have become a great asset as well as the ability to drop into the coffee shops around the airport.

The Members of the Chaplaincy Team have a regular requirement for debrief and update in the professional development in the service they provide.

The Team meet and debrief monthly.
They are encouraged to attend specialised ministerial and professional development courses that will benefit their ministry here at the airport and to take retreats and other activities within their denomination.

The chaplaincy plays a role with UKBA in provision for children and vulnerable adults attempting to enter the UK.

Following a request for information from central government The Chaplaincy will lead on training and information in respect of human trafficking to MA staff during this year 2012.

The pastoral meet and greet service provided for the Ministry of Defence has seen a growing number of incidents to deal with. Many tinged with great sadness.

In this reporting period the Chaplaincy Team along with the Care Team have assisted in the repatriation of British Citizens for reasons of health and finance and issues surrounding Forced Marriages this has involved both male and females.

Beyond the Airport
The Team continue to work in parishes and faith communities whether that is in a capacity promoting The Chaplaincy or just assisting in providing leadership for services. There have been a number of talks given to groups about the work of The Chaplaincy and bookings for next year continue to come in.

Pilgrimages
The Chaplaincy Team have seen approximately 2000 Christian pilgrims through the airport on their pilgrimage to Lourdes, Knock, Fatima and the Holy Land. The team lead the multi agency team that assisted Islamic Pilgrims to make their Hajj in November. Pilgrim cards and FCO guidance leaflets are available and colleagues from MA, control agencies and the airlines are working together to make 2012 one of the best Hajj pilgrims.
The feedback from the Muslim community through Faruk has been so very positive in past years.

The Airport Care Team
The Care Team are the pastoral and humanitarian response team intended to be the first providers of care in the case of a major incident.
They also provide assistance with the chaplains in day-to-day incidents.

Jackie Lowe, Assistant to the Coordinating Chaplain, continues to co-ordinate the Airport Care Team together with The Co-ordinating Chaplain, The Reverend George Lane and the Emergency Planning Manager, Anne McPhie.

This team are all Enhanced CRB checked to deal with children and vulnerable people and receive training in order to deal with these types of issues.