Barry Hunter named as The New Clarets Club Chaplain
Photo source: Burnley Football Club.
I was having a quick peep on the official Burnley Football Club website and was astonished to see that we had replaced Tom Heaton as "Club Captain".
After a prolonged shake of the old head, I discovered Tom is safe in his job and lifelong Burnley fan Barry Hunter is relishing his role as the new "Club Chaplian" not "Club Captain!"
The Clarets' report that Barry, whose first memories of following the Clarets date back to the halcyon European nights against Eintracht Frankfurt, has already taken up his new position, where his key role is to offer pastoral and spiritual support to all players, their families, club staff and the wider support.
Barry said: “As Club Chaplain I want to offer an open door if you wish to have a conversation regarding any concerns, so please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am available to meet with you at the club, or at a mutually preferred venue.”
Barry has been working with former Chaplain Mark Hirst for six years, and for the past 12 years has been part of the multi-faith team of Chaplains as a volunteer for Burnley and Blackburn hospitals and Pendleside Hospice.
His busy workload also sees him operate as one of the Pastors at Life Church Burnley and as volunteer Chaplain at Inspire East Lancashire, the Drug and Alcohol Service, where he offers support to those suffering from alcohol and substance misuse and problems with social issues.
Previously, he worked as the Interfaith Development Officer with Building Bridges Pendle, working to build community cohesion throughout the Burnley and Pendle districts, and has also worked for Burnley Health Care as a community mental health worker.
Barry, a former funeral director, also operated as a community mental health officer for Lancashire County Council, before training as a Minister in a thriving local Church of over 350 weekly attenders.
He added: “Many have benefited from the empathic and sincere care offered by myself as Chaplain and friend and over the years and I have gained an excellent reputation developing and building friendships with our local communities and with other faith and non-faith groups.
“All my life experiences have helped me to understand the wider implications of major issues and their effects on people and their families.
“I believe my experience of comforting and encouraging people with health and social issues and especially substance misuse issues has brought hope to many people.
“This includes families, and those going through the painful and traumatic time of bereavement as many have benefited from the empathic and sincere care offered by myself as Chaplain and confidant.”
Barry said: “As Club Chaplain I want to offer an open door if you wish to have a conversation regarding any concerns, so please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am available to meet with you at the club, or at a mutually preferred venue.”
Barry has been working with former Chaplain Mark Hirst for six years, and for the past 12 years has been part of the multi-faith team of Chaplains as a volunteer for Burnley and Blackburn hospitals and Pendleside Hospice.
His busy workload also sees him operate as one of the Pastors at Life Church Burnley and as volunteer Chaplain at Inspire East Lancashire, the Drug and Alcohol Service, where he offers support to those suffering from alcohol and substance misuse and problems with social issues.
Previously, he worked as the Interfaith Development Officer with Building Bridges Pendle, working to build community cohesion throughout the Burnley and Pendle districts, and has also worked for Burnley Health Care as a community mental health worker.
Barry, a former funeral director, also operated as a community mental health officer for Lancashire County Council, before training as a Minister in a thriving local Church of over 350 weekly attenders.
He added: “Many have benefited from the empathic and sincere care offered by myself as Chaplain and friend and over the years and I have gained an excellent reputation developing and building friendships with our local communities and with other faith and non-faith groups.
“All my life experiences have helped me to understand the wider implications of major issues and their effects on people and their families.
“I believe my experience of comforting and encouraging people with health and social issues and especially substance misuse issues has brought hope to many people.
“This includes families, and those going through the painful and traumatic time of bereavement as many have benefited from the empathic and sincere care offered by myself as Chaplain and confidant.”
Congratualtions on your appointment Barry. On behalf of Clarets Madders everywhere we wish you every success in your new role. (TEC).
Barry can be contacted at barryqpc@hotmail.com and all conversations will remain confidential.