Clergy Support Trust are excited to partner with 3D Coaching, to offer six free online coaching sessions to:
- ordinands
- serving and retired clergy
- their partners/spouses
- former partners/spouses
- adult children (18 - 25)
This follows a number of longstanding partnerships with organisations supporting clergy and their families, including offering insomnia therapy with Sleepstation, and confidential counselling with JR Corporate Health. Over 200 clergy households benefitted from using these services last year.
"We hope this new service will provide practical support for those who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed, those who want to improve their boundaries, or those who are stepping into retirement or facing a crossroads in life."
Sarah Davies, Director of Charitable Services
What is Coaching?
3D Coaching provide a safe space for you to think, explore and process what you need to, without distraction. Our partners recognise that this is your space to do your own thinking, not their space to distract you or bring unasked-for knowledge or expertise.
Importantly, coaching is not the same as mentoring or counselling. In mentoring, a person more knowledgeable than you gives their wisdom. In counselling, you look back to resolve personal or psychological problems.
Our partners at 3D Coaching have met many people, with many, many things they want to work through. They work simply, so you’ll meet a real human whose attention is on you, and they're not here to judge you or the thing you want to work through.
They are experienced having conversations about God and vocation - they understand Church jargon and recognise the diversity of the national Churches - and have supported many clergy and their families in their journeys.
Our Partner
"We're thrilled to work in partnership with Clergy Support Trust. For clergy seeking support in their ministry — whether they’re navigating overwhelm, managing difficult relationships, or just feeling stuck — this collaboration will offer a safe, reflective space, coupled with the right amount of challenge to foster growth."
"With over twenty years of experience working with clergy, their families, and retired clergy, we are committed to supporting those in ministry. Together, we aim to further empower and enable clergy, through the unique challenges they face. We're excited to get started!"
Su Blanch, 3D Coach
Testimonials
"These six coaching sessions have been the best gift I have had in 35 years of ordained life. Thank you!"
"3D Coaching has a vital role to play in helping Christian ministers like me to reflect on their work, and learn about how they can become more effective in the challenging contexts we are all in as leaders today."
"I think 3D Coaching has nailed it - their experience shows, as they are knowledgeable not only of the formalities of coaching itself, but also of the structures and functioning of the CofE - I don't know any other agency who is so professional and knowledgeable in their approach."
"What did I gain? Encouragement, challenge and spiritual wisdom. I am now using this in my pastoral ministry, helping people discover their full potential under God."
FAQs
Where can I find 3D Coaching once I've logged in?
You can find 3D Coaching in the same place as Health grants.
Our Health grants support all aspects of health, including physical health, mental health and emotional wellbeing. You'll also find grants towards the cost of Talking Therapies, assessments and diagnostics tests here.
Visit the Health Grant Application Form, and select '3D Coaching' from the dropdown menu. This will likely be the first option which appears for you.
How many sessions can I have?
You can assess six free coaching sessions if you are an:
- ordinand
- serving and retired clergy
- their partner/spouse
- their former partner/spouse
- their adult children (18 - 25)
Sessions take place online, last one hour, and the first and last session must take place within a year of one another.
In their experience, six sessions with 3D Coaching is usually plenty to help you address, discuss and plan your way forward and what you are looking to achieve.
However, if after your six sessions are complete, you believe you would benefit from further sessions, please email us at grants@clergysupport.org.uk to discuss a way forward.
Do I need coaching or counselling?
Coaching is not the same as counselling.
In counselling, you may look back to resolve personal or psychological problems which may be deeply affecting you. In coaching, you may have a general idea of what you are looking to achieve or a challenge you are looking to address, and your coach gives you the space to think and talk, so you can decide on the best course of action yourself.
For example, if you are experiencing anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress, you may want to access our Counselling service.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or confused about how to proceed in your ministry, your career path, your vocation or how to manage disagreements or conflict with people you work with (eg. a church warden or Bishop), it sounds like you are better suited for coaching.
Will anyone know if I'm having coaching sessions?
Conversations with 3D Coaching are completely confidential, and as are all applications made to Clergy Support Trust.
However, if one of the coaches or a member of staff at the Trust believe that there may be a risk of immediate harm to yourself or others, we are obligated to inform services that we believe can support you.
If you do not wish for any of your Health grants, including coaching, to be visible to any other members of your household (eg. a partner, parent or adult child), please tick the box below as you progress through the Health Grants Application Form.
Can clergy children have coaching?
Adult children of clergy, aged from 18 - 25, are eligible for coaching sessions. This is the case whether they are living with their clergy parent/s or independently, and if they are in education, employment, training or are unemployed.
Clergy children younger than 18 are not eligible for coaching.
What if I have to cancel a session?
Sometimes, things can come up and plans can change unexpectedly.
If you have to cancel a session and you have informed 3D Coaching with more than 24 hours notice, the session can be re-arranged.
If the cancellation is within 24 hours of the session, Clergy Support Trust may be charged an additional fee, so please try to inform your coach as soon as possible if you need to rearrange.
What if I want to make a complaint?
We're sorry that you've had a negative experience with our coaching service.
If you have cause for complaint about any aspect of the service, Clergy Support Trust has a complaints procedure which will be followed. Please send an email about the nature of your complaint to grants@clergysupport.org.uk.
This will in turn be raised and reported to our Director of Charitable Services and Head of Grants and Services, and will be referred to the Managing Partner at 3D Coaching for a satisfactory resolution.
I've found my coaching sessions very helpful. How can I give a testimonial?
That's great! If you would like to add a comment to the Testimonials section above, or if you would like to take part in a case study for the Stories section of our website, please email our External Relations team at hello@clergysupport.org.uk.