Nicola Goudie: CSW at Royal Marines Poole

In November 2003 Nicola Goudie began a new employment challenge and a new stage in her Christian journey. Nicola had spent nearly five years as 'mummy' and housewife. Nicola was to take on the role as a Chaplaincy Support Worker based at St Andrew's Church, RM Poole.

Every CSW has a different role depending on what the needs of an establishment might be and Nicola was keen to quickly establish where she would be able to make a difference. She joined a great Chaplaincy team - all extremely kind, caring individuals who were readily available to help anyone in need in any way they could. Being part of this team helped Nicola both spiritually and practically as she planned her new work for the future.

Shortly after joining RSR Nicola attended the RSR conference at Amport House where she picks up the story… best told in her own words.

"Arriving at Amport for the conference I felt a little apprehensive, even though I am quite confident when meeting people. I was not too sure what was going to happen or what we were to do. The words 'Christian' and 'fellowship' seemed to be the key words on listening to people about their work, this made me question myself on my own beliefs and how I conducted my own life. What is a true Christian? I thought quietly to myself. The conference was of great benefit to me personally, because it made me realise I was a true Christian, and although the theme of the conference was 'Renewing our Purpose" I actually 'found' my purpose and have been working with this since."

Life at RM Poole can be quieter than other camps due to its size and type of work. However there are still people to reach out to, people who need support and care. Being part of the chaplaincy team helps me to get to know people on camp and their dependants, therefore hopefully helping anyone who may need it or just be a friend to turn to.

Most of my work in the last few months has been the research and setting up of a crèche for the dependants of service personnel working at Poole. St Andrew's crèche opened its doors and welcomed the children in July, and is a small, friendly and happy place with approximately 10 children per session. Colonel Steve Hartnell, CO 1 Assault Group, officially opened the crèche on the 29th July 2004 and Brian Deverson from RSR was also able to be there for the day.

With the crèche up and running I am now able to help with pastoral work supporting the Chaplains, the Verger and also the SBS Family Support Worker. I also intend to attend courses for listening skills, child protection, domestic violence and computer training. So life as a CSW at Poole is a wonderful job, giving me the opportunity to share my love and beliefs by helping people within the Royal Marines Poole community who may otherwise not be as happy or healthy in life as they could be.