Wireline Issue 48 - Summer 2020

“We had anticipated it would mainly be a family- oriented remembrance, but the numbers indicate otherwise. In addition, many viewers posted comforting comments that the families might not otherwise have seen. It’s given us food for thought; we might want to consider using such technologies again when appropriate.” In the immediate future, it could offer a means of helping to mark the 32nd anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster in July this year. Morebroadly,Gordonsaysthewidercommemoration aspects of the chaplaincy’s duties have evolved in recent years. “I detect a growing wish in society at large to mark past events and remember those who have lost their lives, and I think that’s reflected within our industry. “Whenever someone loses their life in oil and gas work it’s a very sad event, but also a significant one, and remembrances are increasingly including an emphasis on the importance of safety. “It’s certainly a feature that’s developed over the past few years, and it’s good to see. It shows that people not only want to remember; they want lessons to be learned and pledges made that such things can’t happen again.” Supporting role One of the key practical dimensions of the chaplaincy’s work is a trust that has been in existence since 1990 to provide financial support for people facing hardship through circumstances such as illness or injury. Supporting the administration of the trust is still part of the chaplaincy’s role, as is Gordon’s everyday contact — remotely at the moment — with vulnerable individuals and families who value pastoral and spiritual support more than ever during these difficult times. “We want to provide them with whatever support we can, and in the process it helps to reassure them that the industry hasn’t forgotten them, amid all its current challenges,” he says. For now, Gordon’s usual schedule of offshore visits has been postponed, and he expects this will be the norm for the foreseeable future as operators continue to enforce safety measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. In the meantime however, the doors of the chaplaincy are always open, and anyone seeking help or support can visit the chaplaincy website at ukoilandgaschaplaincy.com or call 01224 883355.

“I detect a growing wish in society at large to mark past events and remember those who have lost their lives, and I think that’s reflected within our industry.”

Gordon has been routinely directing people to several websites which carry useful information related to COVID-19, in areas ranging from mental health wellbeing to practical aspects of working life.

OGUK : oilandgasuk.co.uk Step Change in Safety : stepchangeinsafety.net NHS :

nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters NHS Scotland: clearyourhead.scot Military : headfit.org “These sites, andothers, offer great information and support. But we appreciate that people, if they are feeling down or anxious, sometimes won’t find the energy to look at these sources themselves,” says Gordon. “We’d encourage others – perhaps family members or employers – to support them in accessing these resources.”

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