Wellbeing

Chaplain’s Chat

“I just don’t know where to go?”

This is a cry I hear frequently and it is very real.  We find ourselves with a challenge we have had no previous preparation for, we know we can’t manage on our own and that we need support but don’t know where to start to access that support.

When a child has a temperature or a broken bone going to the Drs. is clear cut and an automatic reaction but what do we do with other situations where we haven’t experienced a defined pathway.

Often, we may not even be aware that there is support available, let alone how to go about accessing it.  l have in my office a range of brochures, guide books, contact points and tip sheets for a variety of different circumstances which families are welcome to access and which might possibly help you find the first step on that pathway.

I have “Beyond Blue” information booklets on ‘Depression and Anxiety’with lots of helpful information in and contacts for follow up.  There are fridge magnets and information about contact to ‘Parentline”(13 22 89) a great support.  There is a brochure from Eastern Community Legal centre about free assistance with Rental and Tenancy Issues.  I have an interactive computer game produced by the Attorney General’s Dept. to help children navigate through all the changes that occur during separation or divorce.

There is information offering tips and information for families where a parent has a mental health problem or disorder.  There is “Beyond Blue” guidelines particularly for supporting a young person with depression.  I have a document produced by The Aust. Childhood Foundation which outlines and encourages “Connected Parenting”filled with simple, practical tips designed to enrich family life and yours and your children’s relationship.  There is also a practical guide for keeping young people safe on line entitled “Facebook – friend or foe?” there is an succinct little guide called “ Me, my kids and my Ex” produced by The Child Support Agency with Tips and Hints on Surviving Separation.  There are also some guides on dealing with some of the other hard stuff we deal with like grief, anger and change.

Please feel free to pop in and see whether there is something there that may be helpful and if you are not sure, just come by and ask, who knows, a search may uncover another effective resource to share.

Gill Van Der Ende

Chaplain