Bradford Court Chaplaincy Service

Bradford Court Chaplaincy Service offers services to those accused of committing crime, those affected by crime and the criminal justice process, and those who deal with distressing and difficult cases on a daily basis. The Multi-Faith Bradford Court Chaplaincy Service allows people going to court an opportunity to confidentially discuss issues about the judicial system which trouble them. It is hoped defendants and their families, witnesses, court staff, probation staff, and even lawyers and magistrates will use the Bradford Court Chaplaincy Service (BCCS). The project plays a major role in linking offenders and their families to appropriate support, thus reducing crime. Although there are chaplaincies in other courts, Bradford is the first to operate on a ‘full time’ basis and will be the first multi-faith service. The charity, through private grants and donations, employs two part-time chaplains, a Christian and a Muslim and will recruit and train 24 supporting volunteers of all faiths. The charity’s president, Lord Kamlesh Patel, said: “I believe this is an invaluable, innovative and much--needed service in Bradford. I am immensely proud to be associated with this service and look forward to sharing Bradford’s experiences with other parts of the country.”