Railway Mission has welcomed Emmanuel Egila as its new railway chaplain supporting colleagues across the Southwest Rail network, based out of London Waterloo.

Emmanuel succeeds Christopher Henley, who has moved on to a new chaplaincy role supporting people living with dementia on the South Coast. Railway Mission is grateful for Christopher’s dedicated service and the care he provided to railway colleagues during his time with the charity.

Emmanuel joins Railway Mission with more than eight years of experience in pastoral counselling, spiritual guidance and community support. He is a licensed and ordained minister and has also gained valuable experience as a chaplaincy and pastoral care volunteer with Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust.

Through this work, Emmanuel has supported people and families facing illness, bereavement, uncertainty and other difficult circumstances. He brings a calm, compassionate and collaborative approach, together with a strong understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries and the importance of providing a safe and welcoming space for people of all backgrounds.

In his new role, Emmanuel will regularly visit stations, offices and other railway workplaces across the network, building trusted relationships with staff at every level. He will provide independent, impartial and confidential pastoral care to colleagues experiencing personal or professional difficulties, including bereavement, stress, trauma, illness, family concerns and financial pressures.

Emmanuel will also be available to support railway employees and responders following serious or fatal incidents on the railway.

Liam Johnston, Executive Director of Railway Mission, said: “We are delighted to welcome Emmanuel to Railway Mission. He brings considerable pastoral experience, a genuine compassion for people and a clear commitment to supporting individuals through some of life’s most challenging moments.

“Our chaplains become trusted and familiar faces within the railway community, offering time, a listening ear and confidential support whenever it is needed. I am confident that Emmanuel will make a valuable contribution at Waterloo and across the wider South West Rail network.”

Emmanuel said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to join Railway Mission and to serve the railway community. I am passionate about pastoral care and about creating a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment in which people feel able to talk openly.

“I am looking forward to meeting colleagues across the network, listening to their experiences and being alongside them through both the everyday pressures of railway life and the more difficult circumstances they may face.”

Founded in 1881, Railway Mission provides professional, independent, impartial and confidential pastoral care to railway employees, their families and members of the public affected by railway operations.

Railway Mission chaplains support people regardless of their faith, background, lifestyle or position within the industry. From frontline employees to senior leaders, chaplains provide a trusted listening ear and a compassionate presence during times of stress, trauma, bereavement, illness, loneliness or personal difficulty.