eco church,environmental,safeguarding,sunday school,young people

Barbara Swift – Candidate’s address
I would be honoured to serve as a member of General Synod and to represent the people, parishes and communities of our diocese within the wider Church of England.
Throughout my life I have been involved in education, health, family life, community service and the Church, and I believe these experiences would help me bring a broad, practical and compassionate perspective to General Synod.
I studied Biology at the University of London, where part of my degree included environmental studies, before completing my PGCE at St Martin’s College, Lancaster. This background has given me a longstanding awareness of environmental issues and an appreciation of the work the Church is doing in this area, including through Eco Church awards and the encouragement of more sustainable practice within parishes.
I began my career teaching science in Leytonstone before moving north and working for the Department of Health and Social Security. Later, I trained as a nurse at Huddersfield University and worked first as a rehabilitation nurse and then in school nursing.
Alongside my professional life, I raised seven children, all of whom went on to achieve Grade 8 in one or more musical instruments as well as university degrees. Through family life, teaching, nursing and my involvement in schools, I have had a great deal of contact with children, young people and parents from many different backgrounds. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the pressures families face, the importance of education and wellbeing, and the value of strong and supportive communities.
My Christian faith has always been central to my life. Over the years I have taught Sunday School, served as a School Governor, taken part in council hub groups, and served on both Deanery Synod and Diocesan Synod. I currently serve as a Churchwarden.
Much of my church involvement has centred on practical service within the community. I run a weekly Community Café which provides food and a welcoming place for people to meet, and we also operate a food-share scheme from the same venue. Following the café, I encourage opportunities for Bible study and worship, creating a space where people can explore faith as well as find practical support and friendship.
My safeguarding training enables me to manage concerns appropriately and to advise on issues as they arise within the Community Café and wider church setting. I have also undertaken pastoral training, which has increased the depth and breadth of care I am able to offer to those who may be vulnerable, isolated, bereaved or simply in need of someone to listen.
I also help where I can with the Hand to Mouth group, which visits schools to share the Christian message with children and young people.
These experiences have shown me how important it is for the Church to be both rooted in Christian faith and actively engaged with the communities it serves. The Church can be a place of worship, but also of welcome, compassion, practical help, friendship and belonging.
If elected to General Synod, I would approach the role with openness, thoughtfulness and a willingness to listen. I believe it is important that the experiences of ordinary parishioners, families, children, schools and local communities are heard when decisions are made nationally.
I would bring to the role experience from education, healthcare, family life, safeguarding, pastoral care, church leadership, environmental awareness and community work, together with common sense, compassion and an independent mind. I would be willing to engage carefully with complex and sometimes difficult issues, to listen respectfully to differing views and to contribute constructively to debate.
I would also take seriously the responsibility of representing our diocese and maintaining communication with people locally. I would want to listen to their concerns and experiences and ensure that these inform my contribution to General Synod.
I care deeply about the future of the Church of England and about ensuring that it remains welcoming, compassionate and relevant to the communities it serves while remaining firmly rooted in Christian faith and worship.
It would be a privilege to serve the Church in this way and to contribute my experience, time and commitment to the work of General Synod.