Hereford Cathedral are today starting the recruitment process for a Parish Nurse to support the provision of the almshouse accommodation which is administered by The Hereford Cathedral Almshouses Charity in Hereford and Ledbury.

An almshouse is an unfurnished, low-cost residential accommodation which belongs to a charity and exists to meet the aims of the charity’s purpose. The cathedral’s St Ethelbert’s (pictured above) and St Katherine’s almshouses, located in Hereford and Ledbury respectively, aim to relieve poverty and residents have a background of involvement in church, community or voluntary work. 

This new role, in partnership with Parish Nursing Ministries UK, will complement services offered by existing agencies and form part of a 5-year strategy to provide groundbreaking pastoral, social and practical support for residents of the Almshouses communities. It is important to note that this role will not replace or duplicate the vital work of the NHS or social care agencies but instead assist access to these services via early signposting and pastoral support in alignment with the Christian ethos of the charity.

The Very Revd Sarah Brown, Dean of Hereford and Chair of the Hereford Cathedral Almshouses Charity, said: “Motivated by the gospel imperative to provide for those in any kind of need, the Parish Nurse’s unique blend of medical skill and faith will provide pioneering social, practical, and spiritual support both to our residents and the wider community related to the cathedral congregation.

It has been a long-held ambition of mine to employ a Parish Nurse and I am delighted to be able to finally launch this recruitment which will add a holistic dimension to our provision of almshouse accommodation.”

Marc Leppard, COO of Hereford Cathedral and Clerk to the Almshouses Trustees said: “It is recognised that poverty, particularly in our rural setting of Herefordshire, often extends beyond financial hardship. The Parish Nurse will play a vital role in addressing some of the less obvious but equally detrimental manifestations of poverty such as restricted access to healthcare and social services.”

The new role of Parish Nurse is currently being advertised by Hereford Cathedral with a closing date of 30 April. It is a part time role of 25 hours a week to be worked flexibly across Monday – Friday with occasional evening or weekend work. Travel to different locations will be a key part of the role so access to a vehicle and a driving license is essential.

To view or apply for the role please click here

Further information on Parish Nursing can be downloaded below:

Parish Nursing Information Sheet (pdf download)

What is a Parish Nurse? (pdf download)