Pastoral care

It is increasingly evident that the number of British and other English speaking people coming, either to live in the Var or purchasing second homes, has steadily grown over recent years. At the same time there is also an increasing group of people who have been here for many years and whose home is in this part of France and who no longer have friends or links back to the UK.  The consequences of the recent economic downturn are also beginning to have a serious impact and reduced incomes and pensions are now a serious concern to some sectors of the community.  There are also many other reasons that people experience times of personal stress and anxiety and where we able to come alongside them and support them in different ways and quite simply “be a friend”.

There is also a genuine risk of some people becoming isolated or simply lonely and depressed when they lose a loved one or close friends, or perhaps simply find themselves less mobile.  It is in these situations we wish to be able to help with the various needs that might arise. We are aware some of these services may be available within the local French Health Social Services which are excellent, but there is a limit to what emotional support they can provide, and language is always an obstacle. We aim to encourage people to support each other and, where appropriate, be prepared to accept support without loss of self-esteem. Part of this process involves the formation of self-help groups that can meet regularly and operate within a specific area which has obvious benefits.

Bereavement Support is one specific area that we are closely involved with and is of increasing significance within the community here. 

We work closely with the Bereavement Support Network of the Var    www.bsnvar.org   which has a support team of  trained volunteers to ensure that  no-one who has suffered a loss is left without the opportunity to receive help in getting them through this difficult period and re-building their lives here in France

 Some of the specific areas of support provided include :

·                    Visiting the elderly

·                    Arranging funerals

·                    Assisting with bereavement issues

·                    Communicating with families who may be abroad

·                    Being there to listen and encourage

·                    Helping with practical problems

·                    Encouraging friendships and building community

·                    Providing Christian fellowship

·                    Providing a place of rest and renewal to come and stay

We are at present exploring with other groups here, the potential for an “ ARK Dropin Centre”  in the Lorgues area.  This is to be a place which provides, not just a place for people to meet and receive support and help, but just as importantly, a place where people are able to contribute their  time and their talents as part of the re-building and healing process.