Testimonies
about the book
'it was a great book to read because it really shows how mental illness can affect family', WW
'I found it compulsive reading and very moving', anon
after listening to Edna speak
'you really helped me to accept that mental health is no longer a stigma', WW
'your talk was a real eye-opener', MW
'I was privileged to hear your brief but heart searching words', JH
about Edna
'I know you have been courageous not just in all you have done (for your daughter), but in all your research and the great effort it would demand of you emotionally to write as you have done', FD
'I want to thank you for your witness… and for all the others whose lives you have touched… I shall hold you in my prayers always ', anon
'What a lot you have gone through and still come through smiling and ready to help others', anon
about the Group
All over the world, the Spirit is moving, all over the world as the prophets said it would be, all over the world there’s a mighty revelation of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea…
When it was suggested to me that I might benefit from joining a mental health support group in the diocese, my first reaction was the thought thank you but no thank you. I had experienced a re-occurrence of clinical depression and anxiety, a condition with similar features of other mental illnesses including: exhaustion, feelings of isolation, thoughts like ‘I don’t want to die but I have no energy to function, breathe, think, or live…’ I thought to myself, the last thing I needed was the company of people who felt like I did. I feared this would make me feel more ill and depressed. I imagined a group of people focused on problems and illness and I certainly did not want to be part of a group like that. I told my kind friend, I’ll let you know. In time after feeling a bit more lost and desperate, I decided to give the group a try, and I thank God that I did because I have discovered a place of refuge, strength, grace, and healing.
‘For where two or three meet in my name, I am there among them’ (Mt.18.20)
Why does the group work?
The group works because we believe and experience the Holy Spirit is invited and present with us. How? There is a high level of trust amongst the participants that has developed through time spent in prayer, meditation on the Word of God from the Scriptures and sharing of individual experiences without fear of negative judgements or criticism. Could the group develop? Yes. We want to share what we have discovered in the hope and belief that other small groups could come together using a simple format ‘K I S S’ ‘Keep it Safe and Simple’.
Safe
Even among some Christians, there is a stigma of mental ill health and some of us felt we do not want to be identified as attending ‘a support group’ unless we decide to make a self-disclosure if and when appropriate. Within the group, confidentiality is an essential element of our relationship. The sharing together of heart, mind and spirit must be within a safe place without fear of personal or family information being discussed outside of the group and the sacred space created by God’s presence within. There are eight people in the group and while this number is flexible, we all felt that small is easier to cope with, in allowing each person to feel at ease and able to speak if they want to do so. There is no pressure to talk. Each person is giving a valuable contribution by being ‘present’. Quietness or silence is perfectly acceptable.
Simple
An opening prayer is offered. We open in prayer remembering we belong to God’s family and He is present with us. We share each other’s company and tasty tea and cake. We share a scripture reading and meditation. These can be found on www.rc.net/readings/index.html. Following reflections, a closing prayer is offered with thanks to God for all we have received in our encounter with Him and each other. The meeting lasts for 1hour 30 mins. fortnightly. This arrangement has proved to be manageable for us all with the usual exceptions on occasions and gives regard to energy and concentration levels within the group.
What are the benefits?
Each person in the group has reported dramatic positive health effects of our time together in mutual giving, sharing, and receiving, within a God-centred environment. Together we thank all who have made this group possible.
My personal benefits
I reluctantly left a career I enjoyed, five years ago following a long and complex illness of severe anaemia. (Mental illness often accompanies physical ill health). Thanks to this wonderful group of people, I am no longer ashamed that sometimes I get sick because I realise I am how God created me for His purpose. When I have health and energy, I work therapeutically and creatively in ways that are meaningful to me. I am a director of a charitable trust A.R.C. and I develop my creative arts project. I try to compensate my family and friends for the times I have not been there for them. The rainbow is my favourite symbol from the bible signifying joy, hope and love. Creativity is an integral part of our humanity and a gift of the Holy Spirit of God.
‘…your light must shine in people’s sight, so that seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven’ (Mt.5.16)
I enjoy writing, singing and playing with my beloved grandson, Frankie. The health group has helped me to develop a greater attitude of gratitude. When a mother gets sick, it has consequences for all of the family. I would like to thank all of my family for their love and patience with me especially my husband Samuel (means sent from God) and he was. Sam has upheld me and loved me when I could not love myself or stand on my feet.
I would like to thank and pay tribute to Edna and Ray Hunneysett and their family, especially Elizabeth, for their pioneering work that they have been involved in for many years. They have contributed enormously to understanding of healing and health for many thousands of people including myself. May God bless them all for everything that they have given at great cost to themselves.
Finally I thank God that despite many periods of illness, I have more than my share of happiness, through the deep love I receive from God, my family and my friends, which includes my new friends in the health group, and for this I am always grateful.
If you would like help or advice on starting a group, please contact Edna Hunneysett 01642 818332
Catherine Marshall
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