CONCERNS about social isolation and loneliness prompted the creation of St Paul’s Community Care in the parish of Mt Lawley recently.
Parishioners John and Kristyn Ryan, plus Gerry and Bernadette Taylor were concerned about the plight of some elderly people as well as identifying a growing number of households where separation, imprisonment, death and other stress have caused family breakdown. “Loneliness can become a mental health problem when it is in your life for a long time as it can escalate into anxiety, depression, self harm, substance abuse and suicide,” Mr Ryan said.
With the support of parish priest Fr Tim Deeter and pastoral worker Sr Regina Naisbitt, concern has blossomed into firm commitment with 22 parishioners volunteering for service.
Inaugural St Paul’s Community Care Parish commitment meetings took place after Masses several months ago. Volunteers provide practical support for people in need undertaking tasks such as visiting, providing emergency meals, gardening, handyman work, home help, transport and bereavement support. “We can help ourselves by helping others,” Mr Ryan said.
“One way of overcoming loneliness and reducing social isolation is to be more conscious of other people’s needs and less focused on ourselves. Move out of your comfort zone and improved quality of life will follow naturally.”
In welcoming the parish volunteers of St Paul’s Community Care, Peter McMinn, executive officer of Catholic Outreach, said there was an increasing recognition of the beneficial pastoral work undertaken by care programmes in parishes.