Who we are
The Secular Spiritual Care Network is an inclusive Australian network for people working in spiritual care who are interested in secular and non-religious approaches to care. We bring together spiritual care practitioners from different backgrounds and settings to connect, learn from one another and strengthen the secular perspective within the profession.
Connection and peer support
Spiritual care can be demanding work. The Network provides a supportive community of peers who understand the particular challenges of the role. We aim to meet quarterly, with time for connection, discussion, shared learning and self-care. We also plan to hold an annual retreat, creating a longer opportunity to step away from day-to-day practice, reflect and spend time with colleagues.
Mentoring and informal support
Our buddy system connects less experienced spiritual carers with more experienced practitioners for informal support and mentoring. This informal mentoring is intended to provide a friendly, low-pressure way to ask questions, talk through experiences and learn from someone who has more extensive experience in the sector.
Research and secular perspectives
We want to make certain secular and non-religious perspectives are well represented in conversations about spiritual care. The Network provides a space for practitioners interested in research to connect, share ideas and contribute to the development of evidence and thinking about spiritual care that includes the experiences and needs of people who are not religious.
Pathways into spiritual care
For non-religious people interested in working professionally in spiritual care, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The Secular Spiritual Care Network aims to provide practical information, resources and guidance about pathways into the profession, including training, professional development and opportunities to learn from people already working in the field.
An inclusive network
You do not need to identify as a humanist or be non-religious to participate. The Secular Spiritual Care Network welcomes people working across spiritual care who value inclusive, person-centred practice and who are keen to make sure that secular and non-religious perspectives are accepted as an integral part of the profession.
For more information contact Secular Spiritual Care lead Dr Heidi Nicholl.