History of Taunton Team Chaplaincy

Initially considered too big for one church to handle, a Chaplaincy came a step closer in 2006 with the formation Taunton Christians Together, an inter-denominational group of some 30 churches. A steering group spent two years working out the operational basis and went on to form the Taunton Team Chaplaincy Trust.

The six original members of the Trust were drawn from a cross-section of churches with a brief to develop the concept, establish the legal basis for employing staff, raise funds and oversee the project. Formed in 2009 the Trust was granted charitable status in 2010 and employed a Lead Chaplain with the task of setting up a team of volunteer chaplains. The vision of the Trust is “serving people and sharing Jesus in the heart of our town.”

Prior to the Chaplaincy coming into being there were 3 people providing chaplaincy services who were happy to become part of the team. Including them, by the end of 2010 a total of 14 chaplains were trained for placement of which 6 had been placed. 

Chaplaincy operations formally started in May 2010. Initial placements were with large retail stores and offices. Since that time, other retail premises and offices have been added, together with chaplaincy to the town centre and Vivary Park, to the marginalised and homeless, to residents and staff in care homes, and, in 2018, to travellers and staff at Taunton Rail station. Chaplains at the Rail station are known as Rail Responders. There are now 30 volunteers working with the Chaplaincy.