Supporting Smiles by the Seaside

Southend-on-Sea is a seaside city some 40 miles east of London. Each summer, it is filled with day-trippers seeking fun, thrills and, when the weather is good, sunshine, but who takes care of those who welcome them?

During the season, over two million visitors come through the gates of Adventure Island, a free to enter theme park on the seafront. Keeping all those people happy is an exhausting job for the 1,000 staff, many of them young, who work there. With the support of management, chaplaincy has become an important part of the park’s welfare support for staff.

Deacon Sarah McDowall is a Methodist Minister who serves as chaplain to the staff at the theme park. Since she began her work at the attraction in September 2020 she has become vital to the welfare of many of those working there. Some of them are undertaking their first jobs, often alongside family challenges or mental health concerns.

"Sometimes I listen, sometimes I signpost to other services, our counsellor, GPs, mental health charities, even a homelessness organisation. But mostly, I offer a safe space, a listening ear," says Sarah.

“The demands of the job, the constant smiles, long shifts and the pressure of working with the public can be overwhelming,” says Sarah. “Chaplaincy provides a refuge, a moment of calm amid the busyness of theme park life.”

Lucy is a team leader who has worked at the park for seven years and appreciates Sarah’s chaplaincy. "Sarah talks to our staff about any problems they may have, big or small. Some of our team don’t have strong family support. She is invaluable.

"Every day is completely different, which means new ideas and new hurdles. Sarah is there if you need someone to talk to. She is in charge of our mental welfare, and you can arrange to meet her privately. That support is really comforting."

"It's not hard to stay happy when you’ve got such a positive environment around you,” Lucy adds. “And Sarah’s a big part of that."

Melissa, another long-time employee, who has experienced Sarah’s support says, "She’s amazing. Just having someone external – someone we can trust and who isn’t the boss, it makes such a difference. If needed, Sarah can even help refer them to professional counselling, which the company pays for. That middle ground is so important. I can't imagine this place without her."

For many of the young people at Adventure Island, the job is more than just work. It's a community.

"Taking care of our staff is really important," says Melissa. "We’re dealing with the public, long shifts, and life outside of work too. We all want to do well, and it’s just nice to know we’re looked after."

The chaplaincy at Adventure Island has been active for over a decade, and Deacon Sarah is the third chaplain to serve there. Her role isn’t confined to spiritual care, it’s practical too. Her presence helps managers navigate complex personal issues and gives staff a trusted professional to turn to when life feels overwhelming.

“I listen, support, and remind them they’re not alone," says Sarah.