This year marks a special milestone – 10 years since Jacquetta Gomes, the world’s first female Buddhist Fire Chaplain, joined Fire Fighters Charity as our Fire Chaplain.
Based at Jubilee House, Jacquetta has spent the last decade offering compassion, comfort, and spiritual support to members of the fire services community and their families.
Many may not be aware of the role of a Fire Chaplain. They provide a listening ear, emotional and spiritual care, and support to people of all faiths – and to those with no faith at all. They’re there during times of challenge or change, offering reassurance and understanding.
For Jacquetta, the fire service has always been close to her heart, her dad joined London Fire Brigade in the 1930s. He was supported by us before he died, and growing up, she heard first-hand about the difference our care and support made to families like hers.
“I was already a Fire Service Chaplain when I was approached in 2015 about becoming a Fire Chaplain for the charity, I was immediately interested – especially as I live close to Jubilee House,” says Jacquetta. “There’s a common misconception that Fire Chaplains only offer religious support, but that’s not the case. I never ask people about their religion unless they choose to talk about it. My role is to offer spiritual and emotional support to everyone, regardless of faith.”
Her support includes everything from offering blessings to simply being there to listen.
“I work with people from all walks of life,” Jacquetta adds. “It might be someone living with a life-changing illness, someone coping with addiction, a family enjoying respite care, or someone facing relationship challenges. Whoever they are, I’m here to listen and support them on their journey.”
Over the years, Jacquetta has found that many people who may feel shy or uncertain about opening up find comfort in speaking to her: “People trust that what they say will remain confidential,” she says. “I also encourage them to make the most of the incredible support available through the charity.”
Jacquetta works alongside fellow charity volunteer Denis Cooke (retired CFRS firefighter), who leads a local Living Well Group, offering connection and support to members of our retired community. Jacquetta is part of a wider network of Fire Chaplains across the UK – all of whom are eligible for our support. She was in the first cohort in the world of BCC-FR Board Certified First Responder Chaplains.
As we celebrate Inter Faith Week this November, we also celebrate a decade of Jacquetta’s dedicated service. Her commitment over the last 10 years has been amazing.
To find out more about who’s eligible for our support, click here: