At LeedsChaplaincy, we're committed to creating a supportive and inclusive experience for everyone.
Who Are We?
Leeds Chaplaincy is a growing partnership of faith and community groups, working together to support the wellbeing of all workers in our city. We’re committed to providing a free chaplaincy service, thanks to the generous funding from local businesses. Leeds Chaplaincy is an initiative of Holy Trinity Boar Lane and accountable to the Anglican Diocese of Leeds.
Our Approach
We believe in a personalised and adaptable approach, recognizing that every individual and workplace is unique. Our chaplains are trained to offer support on a wide range of issues, respecting individual beliefs and experiences. We’re here to help you navigate challenges, find strength, and develop greater wellbeing.
Leeds Chaplaincy provides support without promoting any specific religion or advocating for any particular faith. We’re here to support you, not to promote any particular belief system.
Our Values
Our core values – Inclusivity, Confidentiality, Compassion, and Respect – are the foundation of everything we do:
Get To Know Our Chaplains
At LeedsChaplaincy, we’re proud to have a diverse team of chaplains from various faith backgrounds, each with a unique set of skills and experiences. They are the heart and soul of our service, offering a listening ear, compassionate support, and a safe space for everyone working in Leeds.
Rev. Josh Lees – Christian Chaplain
Rev. Josh Lees – Christian Chaplain
Josh is the Vicar of Holy Trinity Boar Lane and holds advanced degrees in Applied Theology (Oxford) and Community Ministry. Before ordination, he worked in the third sector and studied Music at Leeds Conservatoire. A keen cyclist and Ironman triathlete, Josh is also a proud owner of Bertie, a
Pets as Therapy dog.
Dr. Di Gilson – Christian Chaplains
Dr. Di Gilson – Christian Chaplains
Di spent 20 years as a consultant clinical oncologist at Cookridge and St James Hospitals, alongside national leadership roles in medical education. Since retiring in 2019, she has been part of the leadership team at Holy Trinity Boar Lane. She is passionate about helping people flourish.
Roy Poulter – Buddhist Chaplain
Roy Poulter – Buddhist Chaplain
Roy is a member of the Jamyang Buddhist Centre in Leeds and serves as a
Buddhist chaplain to the North East Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust and to the Leeds Teaching Hospitals (NHS Trust) Chaplaincy Service. Having had asuccessful career in IT, Roy now dedicates his time to serve as a chaplain.
Dr. Satwant Rait – Sikh Chaplain
Dr. Satwant Rait – Sikh Chaplain
Satwant serves as Chaplain of Dharmic Communities with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, supporting patients from Sikh, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist backgrounds. Formerly the Honorary Sikh Chaplain at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and a Spiritual Care Volunteer at St Gemma’s Hospice, she has extensive experience in palliative and end-of-life care. A Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Leeds and published author on Sikh chaplaincy, Satwant is passionate about equality in spiritual care. She is active in the community through the Sabhrang Wellbeing Group and continues to promote compassionate, inclusive support across faith traditions.
Hema Yadav – Hindu Chaplain
Hema Yadav – Hindu Chaplain
Hema is a Mental Health Faith Volunteer Chaplain with LYPF and Faith Executive with Concord, Leeds Interfaith Fellowship, and the Leeds Faiths Forum. A dedicated volunteer at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, she promotes wellbeing through interfaith outreach. She served as a Hindu chaplain at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and is a Trustee of Dosti Asian Women’s Support Service, offering compassionate spiritual and pastoral care to those in need.
Rev. Josh Lees – Christian Chaplain
Josh is the Vicar of Holy Trinity Boar Lane and holds advanced degrees in Applied Theology (Oxford) and Community Ministry. Before ordination, he worked in the third sector and studied Music at Leeds Conservatoire. A keen cyclist and Ironman triathlete, Josh is also a proud owner of Bertie, a
Pets as Therapy dog.
Dr. Di Gilson – Christian Chaplains
Di spent 20 years as a consultant clinical oncologist at Cookridge and St James Hospitals, alongside national leadership roles in medical education. Since retiring in 2019, she has been part of the leadership team at Holy Trinity Boar Lane. She is passionate about helping people flourish.
Roy Poulter – Buddhist Chaplain
Roy is a member of the Jamyang Buddhist Centre in Leeds and serves as a
Buddhist chaplain to the North East Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust and to the Leeds Teaching Hospitals (NHS Trust) Chaplaincy Service. Having had asuccessful career in IT, Roy now dedicates his time to serve as a chaplain.
Dr. Satwant Rait – Sikh Chaplain
Satwant serves as Chaplain of Dharmic Communities with Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, supporting patients from Sikh, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist backgrounds. Formerly the Honorary Sikh Chaplain at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and a Spiritual Care Volunteer at St Gemma’s Hospice, she has extensive experience in palliative and end-of-life care. A Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Leeds and published author on Sikh chaplaincy, Satwant is passionate about equality in spiritual care. She is active in the community through the Sabhrang Wellbeing Group and continues to promote compassionate, inclusive support across faith traditions.
Hema Yadav – Hindu Chaplain
Hema is a Mental Health Faith Volunteer Chaplain with LYPF and Faith Executive with Concord, Leeds Interfaith Fellowship, and the Leeds Faiths Forum. A dedicated volunteer at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, she promotes wellbeing through interfaith outreach. She served as a Hindu chaplain at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and is a Trustee of Dosti Asian Women’s Support Service, offering compassionate spiritual and pastoral care to those in need.
Want to Talk?
Our chaplains are here to offer a safe, non-judgemental space for anyone needing support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to…
Everything you discuss with a chaplain is kept in strict confidence.
We would only break confidentiality if there is an immediate danger or serious risk to you or another person, or if there is a safeguarding concern. In this circumstance, we would always discuss breaking confidentiality with you, and encourage you to seek help and support.
It is important to note that we’re not counsellors, therapists, or a crisis service. We are not a prescribing or diagnosing service.
Need urgent support? We would recommend these services: MindWell