Church offers opportunity for islanders to destress and chat

Tuesday 20 December 2022

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but, for some, Christmas can be a particular challenge, with pinches of loneliness and isolation being felt all the more keenly.

It's for that reason that Mr Brian Clarke, Lay Minister at St Brelade's Parish Church has today been hosting a 'Destress and Chat' day for those in need of some company.

The idea for the day came from a dream from one of his parishioners.

He said: "Just before the start of the Advent, one of my parishioners had a dream that a light, a lightness was coming towards the Island. But of course, for some people, Christmas is a time of real darkness." He said: "dark nights draw in and for some the mood also becomes dark." 

Pictured: A day of coffee, cake and good company is promised at the St Brelade Church Hall. 

To that end, Brian decided to hold an entire day at the St. Brelade's Church for people to drop in, and feel a bit of the Christmas spirit.

He said: "For anyone who's a bit peed off with the season, they can drop in for a cuppa."

The special day is running morning until 15:30, with coffee and biscuits offered earlier on and a choice of soup and fresh baked bread in the afternoon, with mince pies and tea afterwards.

As well as other like-minded folk, professional councillors are also on hand to listen and help. 

Pictured: "we do empathise with people who know how lonely life can be." 

While the day is being held in the St Brelade Church Hall, Brain pointed out that it's not only open to Christians: "The ethic of Christianity is kindness, but it's not a religious event, it's a kindness event." 

He added: "Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to talk, be heard, lift your spirts and put your smile back."