St Bart’s Wellbeing Chaplaincy
- We’re by your side
Vanessa Baxter General Manager Strategic Partnerships and Engagement
At St Bart’s, we believe chaplaincy is a ministry of presence - grounded in faith, shaped by compassion, and lived out alongside people in their most vulnerable moments. Today we share with you colleague’s story.
I am from Democratic Republic of Congo, and I came to Australia in 2014. I was staying with my aunt, but in 2021 she passed away, so I had to stay with my distant relatives.
I moved to Western Australia, but I didn’t have much and I didn’t plan things well; so, I ended up on the street. When I first came, I stayed at the airport for a while. I made friends with the security guys. Even some police officers. I made friends with those who work in the restaurants. I made friends with almost everyone, like, even those who travel. They are very nice people there in the airport – they told me I could only stay for a period of time, but they kept checking up on me.
Then I got my phone stolen. It was extremely hard because the plan for me was just to get a job but now I had lost contact. I had no money, nothing, and had to leave the airport.
Living on the street, I kept getting my stuff stolen. My bags got stolen, my travel documents, my ID. The worst part being on the street is that, even though I was looking for work, you do not have an address. Even when you are applying, they will ask for addresses.
I was raised in a Christian house. I had to believe in God so much. I almost denounced my own faith. I started blaming God: ‘why is this happening to me? Why?’ I cried every night.
Uniting WA found me a place at St. Bart’s. I was so happy, I was so glad and very thankful. Once I got here, I met my engagement worker and then, everything just went silent. I felt like I was in a dream. It was the first time I slept properly, I got to sleep in a bed – probably was the best sleep I had for a long time.
My health was deteriorating in the street. I fear for people in the street. Because there, you are exhausted physically, and you are exhausted mentally.
St Bart’s is not just a bed and a shower. It was, like, the best. Some of the staff here they might think they’re just doing their job. But to me, I consider this is a family. Seeing everyone here working and progressing just helped me to just embrace that nature of myself. Now, all I keep telling myself is just keep moving.
Our Chaplains nurture the spiritual, ethical and pastoral life of our Anglican organisation by providing pastoral care to people supported by St Bart’s who are experiencing or have a history of homelessness, mental ill-health, and complex life challenges, including end of life. If you are interested in joining us, we would love to hear from you.
Learn more at Work at St Bart’s - Chaplain