Rev’d Helen’s Letter (April 2023)

Rev’d Keith started his new role in January as school chaplain for the multi academy trust Synergy. He visits four high schools each week and mentors around 30 students helping with pastoral needs of the young people as well as supporting and helping staff. Keith has found that lots of people need support with bereavement issues, trauma issues (situations at home and in the wider family), confidence needs and classroom concentration needs – some are linked to past trauma situations.

The thing I have noticed is that teachers and support staff now have to be ‘social workers’ too. Social services can only deal with high acute and chronic family situations leaving schools and other community groups to support our children, young people and families.

There are many families working well enough yet there are some on the brink and accessing mental health and social care is so difficult.

As a community,  we need to be aware of those who need support mechanisms around them without undermining people’s autonomy. Jesus said ‘come to me all who are weak and heavy laden and I will give you rest’. If this is ringing bells for you, the church community is here for you, don’t struggle on your own. We are here to help signpost you to good helpful resources and give you a sense of rest and support.

May Easter be for you an opportunity to see the miracle of new life when darkness is lit up with goodness and love. This is the resurrection power of God’s love in and through Jesus.

Revd Helen