Counselling comes as a gift to Camden
St. John’s Anglican Church at Camden has this week launched the latest parish partnership initiative in conjunction with ANGLICARE Sydney.
Helping the people of Camden weather times of relationship stress and sorrow is a new counselling service based at St John’s which has been made possible through the kindness of an anonymous benefactor. ANGLICARE Sydney and St John’s are working together to deliver the service.
“One of the unique and vibrant aspects of Camden is it is full of young families, said ANGLICARE CEO, Peter Kell.
“It’s a busy and often stressful time of life, with couples working long hours and commuting long distances to keep the mortgage going and meet their children’s needs,” said Peter Kell, ANGLICARE’s CEO.
“Between 2001 and 2019, the number of families in Camden is expected to increase by 161 per cent, compared with 38 per cent across the whole of Sydney.
“We and St John’s felt it was important to offer support to people who’s relationships may be under pressure; or who may be struggling alone to raise and relate to their children.”
Tony Galea, Minister of St Johns, said he was enjoying working alongside ANGLICARE counsellors Ellen Pickering and Matthew Broadbridge.
“Ellen has spoken to our Women’s congregation on a Thursday night and it’s good to be able to offer this service to our members, but it’s not just for Christians,’ he said.
“It’s here for the Camden community.”
Mental illness burden
ANGLICARE’s CEO Peter Kell also spoke at the launch about ANGLICARE’s other new role in Camden – helping to address the burden of serious mental illness.
“ANGLICARE is proud to be involved in ‘The Haven Project’”, he said.
“Working directly with carers in families where there is a mental health issue we will be able to offer education, support and the option for some respite - or a break from their caring role,” said Mr Kell.
“This is a service run in collaboration with BCD Community Care, Community Links Wollondilly, Disability Trust – Southern Highlands and Macarthur Disability Services and is based at new premises in 80 Argyle Street, Camden.
To arrange an appointment with ANGLICARE counselling phone 02 4621 6666. If you care for a person with a severe mental illness and would like to access information and assistance through The Haven Project, phone 02 4659 0000.
