Interlake-Eastern Health spiritual care course being offered this spring
Interlake-Eastern Health spiritual care course being offered this spring
Interlake-Eastern Health is hosting a nine-week course in spiritual care starting April 30. Sessions will be led by Ferdinand Funk, the health region’s spiritual health care coordinator, who will be joined by a number of invited speakers.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your own spirituality while gaining some valuable insights on how to support someone who may be going through a difficult time due to failing health or older age,” Funk said.
The number of registrants and their location will determine if the course will be virtual or in-person at a convenient location or possibly a combination of the two.
Anyone who completes training is eligible to become a spiritual care volunteer in Interlake-Eastern Health’s hospitals or personal care homes.
“People who are interested in giving back to their community by visiting patients and long term care residents may find this training interesting and helpful. The course is very well suited to those contemplating retirement and seeking meaningful opportunities to connect with others,” Funk said.
Funk, who is a certified spiritual care practitioner with a master of divinity degree, says he is always amazed at the wealth of personal experience and wisdom that students bring with them to the course.
“It is encouraging to observe how well connected many students are with their own community, and the immediate impact they have when they sign up to become volunteers,” Funk said.
Training focuses on respecting the beliefs and values of individuals regardless of their spiritual or religious preference. People will gain a greater appreciation for the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and residents and the diversity in spirituality and religion including Indigenous history, culture and spirituality.
Currently, Interlake-Eastern Health has 25 spiritual care volunteers in the region and, according to Funk, more volunteers are always welcomed.
“Patients and personal care home residents benefit from being able to discuss how their current situation affects them spiritually and emotionally. We are always looking for volunteers who will listen without judgment and without the need to fix someone,” Funk said.
For more information, contact Ferdinand Funk at [email protected] or 204-461-3414 or register online.
