| Anxious in a foreign land |
 Anxious in a foreign landEverywhere you turn there are people struggling to cope in a fast paced, ever changing world. At any one time, in the UK, 1 in 6 people will be experiencing difficulties with their mental health. Difficulties vary from anxieties, depression, loss of confidence, low self esteem to eating disorders and psychosis. A range of services can offer support for these issues. Imagine though being unable to understand what these services are and how they interrelate, how to read any of the literature available and feeling that what was being offered conflicted with your own cultural / religious practises. Asylum seekers who are entering the UK need practical, spiritual and emotional support. Most are unfamiliar with western approaches of helping people with mental health and would be ashamed of asking others outside of their community to give help and advice. Open Door North East is a charity set up by Jubilee Church Teesside to serve the needs of destitute asylum seekers and also to help refugees settle in the North East of England. Volunteers of the charity are increasingly aware that the people they serve have many emotional and mental health needs. Open Door volunteer workers provide friendship and a chance for people to talk about their concerns about loneliness and loss, due to death or separation from family or friends. A Jubilee church walk in May on Redcar beach provided a day out for many asylum seekers and refugees’ friends. Walking, splashing in the sea, playing football, volleyball and running, sharing lunch and conversations, being away from thinking about problems, enjoying fresh air and sunshine all contributed to people having a sense of positive well being. Many asylum seekers and refugees experience low mood as they adjust to their changed circumstances and praying with people who are in the grim grasp of depression has helped them receive a touch from God that releases them from the control of negative thoughts. God’s healing power was demonstrated in a young Iranian Christian woman’s life when she prayed for God’s mercy for her asylum claim and to her delight felt the weight of her depression go. Months on from this event she is still enjoying this freedom. The Eritrean community recently organised a celebration event to mark their country’s independence day. Many of our church members attended this, enjoying dancing and eating together. Such shared experiences help us strengthen our unity. Gill Sweeney |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
