Spiritual help at hand for redundant bankers

He said: "Sometimes people seem to be relieved to get off the treadmill and to be given an opportunity to reconsider what they really want out of life.

"One of the great implications of this turbulence is to re-boot our sense of what a flourishing human life consists of."

But those left worrying about work, or the lack of it, are often in need of emotional support and that's where the work of the church's pastoral care comes in.

The Bishop singled out Docklands' chaplain Fiona Stewart-Darling (pictured) for her work supporting many of the 100,000 financial services workers in her parish.

After almost five years working in the area the Rev Stewart-Darling has seen an increased demand for her services when she visits businesses.

She said: "I've witnessed the boom as well as the downturn, including the beginning of the rounds of redundancies, initially within the American banks, and then the collapse of Lehman's.

"My role as chaplain is to provide pastoral support and spiritual care for all who work here at whatever job or level. I'm often asked what support I provide for those made redundant and unfortunately it is very little.

"In most cases they are told and then quickly escorted from the building and then they leave the Estate, so actually the nearest point of finding support initially is where they live.

"A banker who was made redundant before Christmas said to me that it was like having a death but without a funeral giving closure.

"But there are still a lot of people working in Canary Wharf and I am still chaplain to them.

"Some are fearful for their own jobs and others are grieving for lost work colleagues and friends.

"The redundancies are not over yet, we are in for a long haul, but the reaction I get to my pastoral work has been very positive."

Anyone wanting to get in touch with Rev Stewart-Darling should visit docklandschaplaincy.co.uk

If the crutch of religion is not enough there are other places where free advice and support can be sought, including the Citizens Advice Service.

The CAB has had a £10million funding boost from the Government to extend its opening hours to ensure more people can access its free, impartial advice service.

It has seen a sharp rise in people seeking advice on redundancy, benefits and mortgage and loan arrears in recent months.

David Harker, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice welcomed the Government cash.

He said: "This is a great vote of confidence in CAB advice and welcome recognition that bureaux need additional support right now.

"With this money over 340 CABs will be able to stay open longer and see more people."

For more information visit citizensadvice.org.uk