ABINGDON has launched a town centre chaplaincy to help people going through times of hardship.

The scheme, set up by 13 churches, is for people going through problems such as bereavement, relationship breakdowns and redundancy.

The chaplains will visit people at work to talk through their worries.The project has been initiated by the Rev Richard Bittleston, of Trinity Methodist and United Reformed Church, and Community Missioner Colin Pattenden, of Abingdon Baptist Church, after seeing it in action in other towns.

Mr Pattenden said: “One should never underestimate the support of having someone there to listen.

“It is an important aspect of support.

“Sharing concerns about the world, life, the environment, are all conversations that can happen with a chaplain.

“Sometimes people have a crisis in their lives and they don’t always know where to turn.”

The four chaplains will either pop in to businesses in the town or arrange a time to talk to a person about what is going wrong in their life.

Mr Bittleston, 53, and Mr Pattenden, 50, have both been part of chaplaincy teams in other towns and have seen the scheme work in Swindon and St Albans.

Mr Bittleston said: “We saw the potential for Abingdon.

“The chaplains will sit down and listen to the individual and act as signpost, directing them to other support agencies, including the Citizens Advice Bureau.”

During the past year, they have been talking with Abingdon businesses, services, town council members, the Chamber of Commerce and local police officers about the vision for the chaplaincy.

Terry Boswell, joint chairman of the Abingdon and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “I believe the chaplaincy has very good intentions. Any support we can get the better. We are keen to support and work with them.”

It is hoped the chaplaincy team will expand once properly established.

More than 40 people turned out to support the launch of the scheme at St Nicholas Church, in Market Square, last week.

A display detailing examples of how other town centre chaplaincy teams had served and benefited communities was displayed.

Mr Bittleston said: “We have been delighted with the enthusiasm which people have shown”.

“We believe town centre chaplaincy is an important way for the church to connect with local people, particularly in these difficult economic times.

“We hope to help build that sense of community.”