Ramona Chenery is the Parish Nurse at Wymondham Abbey. She is a qualified nurse with over 20 years of community nursing experience in South Norfolk and is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Ramona’s services are funded by the Abbey and are offered free of charge to all residents of the parish. “I am here to support people of all faiths or none, and of all ages and backgrounds,” she said.

Ramona has spent 32 years of her life in Wymondham; she grew up here, and after living for a while in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex, she raised her three children (two daughters and a son) in our town.

She offers health education and wellbeing advice, and has signposted individuals to other professional and voluntary bodies for help and support. In turn, these organisations have referred patients to her.

Since last November, Ramona has interacted with over one hundred people seeking support for themselves or others. This included advising a blind woman about how to use her cooker, so that she maintained both her dignity and independence. She also assisted a man who was distressed and had been sleeping rough; Ramona ensured that he was provided with food and drink and, with the support of the state, much-needed accommodation.

She takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, one which values the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of health. “People need to be listened to,” she added, noting that kindness and a friendly cup of tea can contribute to healing. In addition, where appropriate for the individual, prayers can be said.

She understands that the death of a loved one not only brings grief, but also a multitude of tasks such as arranging funerals and managing the deceased’s possessions and affairs, which can feel overwhelming. To address this, she offers a six-week Life and Death Course, which gives practical advice to individuals about end-of-life planning.

Ramona is employed for two days per week, Wednesday and Friday. On the mornings of these days, she can be found in the Abbey in the café area, and she can also be contacted by email at parishnurse@wymondhamabbey.org.uk.