Centre offers safe space to confront problems
Sessions with volunteers are focussed on facilitating the client’s internal journey to self-discovery.
A safe space for open and non-judgemental conversation is what you will find when seeking help and guidance from the Pastoral Care Centre at the Northfield Methodist Church.
Since the beginning of the year, the centre has dedicated 1 055 hours to facilitate conversations with 187 participants who have sought help.
Led by the coordinator, Mike Hayter and his team of 12 qualified volunteers the centre has been offering the narrative practice of counselling for the past 26 years.
Hayter, who has been at the helm of the centre for the past decade, explains this form of counselling is non-judgemental and volunteers do not fix a clients’ concerns. It does, however, empower them to see a problem externally by being able to look at all angles – thus uncovering the personal skills to face and work through the situation.
“We are seeing an increase in anxiety and depression among middle-aged and teen clients,” said Hayter.
“Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are experiencing internalised stress where mere day-to-day upheavals could potentially send them in a downward spiral.”
The centre is open to all members of the community and the programme is non-denominational.
“Help through this programme is open to anyone seeking assistance and it all starts with one brave phone call,” he said.
“Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather the realisation that you need help exploring your strengths, which is slightly muddled by overwhelming stress.”
The guidance offered through the centre does not follow a prescribed timeline and sessions are available as long as a client needs them.
A minimal fee is charged per meeting to contribute to the centre’s ongoing operations.
“We pride ourselves in enabling our clients to unlock their individual skills to live the life they should be living,” he said.
“Sometimes someone just needs to be heard. It is awesome grace to witness a client reaching that moment of enlightenment through their growth and self-discovery.”
The centre also facilitates youth and adult addiction groups, as well as a support group for those living with persons battling addiction.
Other groups include cancer, chronic pain, grief share, divorce care as well as play support for children aged four and up.
For more information or to seek help contact the Pastoral Care Centre at 010 140 0217 or contact the church office at 010 140 0210.
Updates regarding support groups are posted on the Northfield Methodist Church Facebook page.
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