Wayne Hudson - Retail Chaplain at the Bull Ring

Firstly, I just want to say that it’s joy to be part of the be friend chaplaincy team which offers support, prayer, face to face meetings with retailers and importantly helps provide a non-judgemental (multi faith) safe conversation space with those in the Birmingham City Centre. Chaplaincy has been on my heart of some time now and many of us who serve and visit retailers are natural talkers, listeners and in some cases responders to our friends, family, colleagues and people in our communities. Last year (2024) I took things a step further and trained with WorkCare West Midlands as a chaplain and it’s been a brilliant experience that has built some good lasting friendships with since. I’ve spent the past 37 years in the postal and service sector and know vividly what it is like to be in a busy, sometimes unforgiving environment where service and response to customer needs is a very high priority. Additionally, in my spare time I offer much of my spare time to the Methodist Church to be a public speaker (local preacher) as well as offering support to the Christian community. Those who meet me know that deep down I’m a very caring, non-judgemental person - with a wide range of experiences who respects personal space and the busyness of life, but also offers a space to retreat from norms that can build up tension. I look forward to meeting many more of you soon.