Everyone has a story they want someone to hear

Meet our Chaplain Tom

You might have seen him around Trinity Square chatting to people, but who is our community Chaplain and why does he spend time here? We asked him a few questions.

Rev Tom Worsley is the priest in charge of Christ Church in Felling. Once a month he visits Trinity Square to talk to people visiting and working here.

We all have a story to tell

“Everyone has a story,” says Tom, “For many people the collar is an invitation to approach me and talk. I am someone to chat to. Sometimes people have a worry, something they want to talk about and sometimes it’s just a friendly chat.

Tom grew up in the area and plays an active part in our local community

“I grew up in this area, playing in the streets around where Trinity Square is now. It was all houses then. I can remember them building the flyover – that’s how old I am.” laughs Tom, “And the ‘Get Carter’ car park that was here.

“Now Trinity Square is here, with the student accommodation. It brings people together, like a village. They do so much, like all the events that are relevant to the community. So, it’s a great place for me to come, meet and speak to people, and offer an ear.

“A big part of what I do is connecting people with groups and organisations that can help them. Whether that’s working with Trinity Square and Age UK, telling people about the Place of Welcome, the food bank or local women’s groups.”

What I love about Gateshead

“One thing about Gateshead is the friendliness. People sometimes run it down, perhaps that’s part of modern life, but we need to look at the positives and one of the big positives is that people talk to each other. That’s something that keeps communities strong and we need to keep doing it.

Why does Tom visit Trinity Square?

Tom does a regular monthly visit to Trinity Square. He is one of a network of Northumbrian Industrial Mission’s workplace chaplains across the North East who meet people where they are.

You might also see him in Tesco shopping on a Monday for Christ Church’s Wednesday ‘Place of Welcome’ that takes place every Wednesday 10.15-12.30 and distributes food and sanitary products.

“We’re still in the top 10% of areas of deprivation. It’s important to provide a welcome, warm space where people can come, so it’s not just bags of food it’s somewhere people can come and be part of the community.”

Trinity Square is part Package for Milly, a national project aimed at reducing period poverty.

Who else can help?

“When I am not here people can also look out for the Gateshead Ambassadors in their orange shirts and jackets. They can also provide a listening ear and they’re friendly and approachable if you need help. We all work together to make Gateshead a happier place.

“To me, community is about being friendly to one another and helping each other. We need to bring that back more. That’s what Trinity Square is all about, a community space where people can meet, shop and talk together. We can all help each other and the more we do the better our community will be.”