Mental health support group marks first successful year

Brendan Keegan
4 May 2007

A group in Upper Hutt, which is the result of a Caritas move to highlight mental health in the community, had its first birthday last month.
The St Joseph’s Parish, Upper Hutt, ‘Support and Wellness’ Group celebrated with a Mass and a party. During the Mass one of its members Lise Black was baptised and confirmed, and received the Eucharist for the first time.
The group was the result of a Caritas initiative highlighting mental illness in our community and the problems associated with it especially the need to feel part of the parish community.
St Joseph’s Peace and Justice group offered to support such a group. From a small beginning, leaders emerged, a programme was undertaken and up to 15 members meet once a fortnight to listen to speakers or discuss issues that meet members’ emotional and spiritual needs.
The birthday was a celebration of the commitment and growth of the group which is meeting a real need in the parish. The reception into the faith community of Lise at this celebration stands as testimony to this. The group looks forward to another good year and welcomes anyone in the parish to join them. Our Love-Saturday Support Group

Our love is a shelter
From heart to heart
We come together
And that is the start

Beneath Our Lord
We keep loves union
We blend with each other
In deep communion

Together we face
Whatever may come
We love so deeply
Now we are one.
John Pepperell (leader of the group)

The photo shows Lise Black (centre) during her baptism with sponsors John and Helen Pepperell. Fr Ron Bennett is officiating.