Those experiencing difficult and challenging times as a hospital patient, resident of personal care home, and  other serious medical issues can really use compassionate, relationship–based care on their healing journey.

In these instances, spiritual care is often seen as an effective means to help those in times of illness and vulnerability. To meet the ongoing need for spiritual care throughout the region, Interlake–Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) is offering its Spirit of Caring course this spring.

The virtual nine–week program, that runs once a week, covers areas such as  understanding suffering and compassion, trauma and crisis, communication and spiritual development.

“This is a course that will build the capacity and increase self–awareness of the participants to engage in the practice of spiritual care, particularly in changing situations such as might occur in a health–care setting,” says Ferdinand Funk, regional spiritual health services coordinator of the Interlake–Eastern RHA. “We welcome those interested in the spiritual aspect of life in general, and in health care particularly, and with the goal of becoming a spiritual care volunteer with the IERHA.”

In addition to helping patients find their peace, inner strength and courage, participants often take many other positives away from the experience.

“They gain insight and expand their ability to care for themselves, their colleagues, and the patients and families they serve,” Funk says. “They experience a renewed sense of being part of a health–care community called to care for those in their greatest times of need.”

For more information or to register, please call or email Ferdinand Funk, regional spiritual health services coordinator at Ph. 204-461-3414 or Email: [email protected]

Registration deadline is April 5, 2023.

“It is a course that prepares volunteers to accompany and support people in a health care setting in a respectful, caring and compassionate way,” Funk adds. “We invite all who are interested to learn to walk alongside and support these many patients and residents.”