The national media has reported a significant increase in domestic abuse incidents over the last few weeks as the country responds to life in lockdown. The charity ‘Refuge’ has said The National Domestic Abuse helpline has seen a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the new measures have been in place.We recognise that domestic abuse can occur in any community and can impact on anyone regardless of gender, faith or background. It is important that we recognise this period will be a pressurised time for some and it is likely that access to services who can support and advise may be hugely welcomed and important for the individuals and families affected by this.There are a number of organisations, both national and regional, who can offer specialist advice and support to those who are experiencing, or are at risk of, domestic abuse. Support is available via telephone, and some services offer discreet, easy ways to access help, including via text messages, online web chat services or mobile Apps.If someone you know from your church, parish or community has concerns regarding domestic abuse, or you are worried they may need access to specialist support, the following agencies are there to offer help:Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24-hours a day, for free and in confidence. 0808 2000 247 or Contact them onlineIDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting anyone experiencing or affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. Call the North Yorkshire helpline on 03000 110 110Alternatively, IDAS offer an extended Live Chat from 3 pm - 6 pm for anyone who is worried about their relationship or for someone they know. Info via https://www.idas.org.uk/contact/National Centre for Domestic violence:0800 9702070 or text: NCDV to 60777https://www.ncdv.org.uk/Refuge : https://www.refuge.org.uk/Refuge UK wide 24-hour helpline: 0808 2000 247 • Police: via 101 or 999 (press 55 when prompted if you can't speak)The church is committed to responding well to domestic abuse. The national policy and practice guidance can be found here:https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/responding-well-to-domestic-abuse-formatted-master-copy-030317.pdfEqually, and just as importantly, many people will find they are struggling with their mental health as we all attempt to adapt to social distancing and isolation measures. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people.This might feel difficult or stressful, but there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing.For those looking for support with their mental health, the following services can be accessed quickly and with confidence.Samaritans, via telephone or emailhttps://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/Mind, via telephone, email or texthttps://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/Childline, call chat or emailhttps://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/
There isn’t much to report this month – not a lot happened during April, and little is planned for May. Personally I’ve been catching up on DIY and reading… The Directory is missing again because no events are now planned (Even Churchyard Tidying is cancelled...) But we welcome Revd. Pete’s Dear Friends article about connectedness. And Tony Service apprises us about how the virus has had an impact on the Methodist Circuit. Tony has helpfully given me some texts on the modern age and shares a hymn that reflects on the isolation that many will be feeling just now.Mike Bunn appears to be sitting out the lock down in the garden – fortified with the odd beer we hope – which has led to some reflections on how the wildlife is making itself known during the lockdown. Good work Mike!Revd. Roy Shaw reports on the deteriorating situation in Kenya. The problems with the locusts are increasing, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Further the country is now in lock down. Please remember St Dorcas in your prayers and donate to the charity via Revd. Roy if you are able.I received a lovely letter from Sheila and John Noble thanking the St Wilfrid’s Parish volunteers for their help in getting in the shopping and being a friendly voice on the telephone. In a similar vein I have included some articles from Parish Pump on the subject of kindness.Finally I report on the WHO ‘Year of the Nurse’ celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale. How appropriate that this has occurred whilst we are all relying on the NHS more than ever?Please note that most of the paper copies will not be available this month because of problems with delivery. If you would like a paper copy please let me know, and I’ll let you have once we are allowed out again.John
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has launched a free national phone line as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people’s homes while church buildings are closed because of the coronavirus.Daily Hope, which is available from today, offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of a telephone line.The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind
Hello all, We’re really looking forward to sharing in worship with you this Sunday. The video should appear on the 'Brayton Parish Selby' YouTube channel at 10.30 on Sunday morning, but as we’re having a few issues with things not appearing immediately on the home page, if you can’t see it there then please click on the ‘Playlists’ tab, and go to ‘Sunday Worship’, and the video should appear in that playlist. If you’re not so familiar with YouTube and need walking through how to do that, please see the document attached. Alternatively, searching for ‘Sunday 19th April 2020 Worship Brayton’ in Youtube should also bring it up too, all being well. All blessings, Hannah
