24-hour helpline for clergy and religious male and female. National Conference of Priests, 1998, Resolution 1
"Despite a unanimous vote at the 1998 NCP Conference, the standing committee said it did not have enough time to consider it."
Below is the original resolution. It was proposed by Nick Kern, of Shrewsbury Diocese, and Nick France, of Portsmouth.
That the conference set up a 24-hour helpline for clergy and religious male and female. National Conference of Priests, 1998, Resolution 1
It would:
§ Respond to the immediate feelings and concerns of callers
§ Explore with the caller whatever practical and/or emotional issues raises
§ Provide information when it might be useful to the callers
§ Let callers consider and choose for themselves what they want to do or happen next
The distinguishing features of the helpline would:
§ Give callers easy and confidential access to individuals and a choice whether or not to reveal him or herself
§ Let callers end the call when they wish
§ Allow callers to remain anonymous which makes the helpline particularly helpful for taboo or embarrassing subjects
WHERE?
England & Wales. The 0800 number is routed to who-ever is on duty
WHY?
Immediate existing support is unavailable, asleep, too far away, or not known to caller. The caller may perceive their diocese or congregation to be part of the problem
WHO for?
Priests and deacons and religious
WHO by?
Priests, religious sisters & brothers and laity who are supervised, trained and working to set standards
The helpline is an opportunity
§ to listen at depth with no time or place constraints
§ to provide information about spiritual direction, counselling, appropriate psychiatric and medical support, retreats and existing other areas of support
§ to provide feedback to Bishop's Conference about areas of concern to priests and religious
COST? See attached
Finally If the help is already there, do priests and religious sisters and brothers
§ Know about it?
§ Have confidence in it?
§ Use it?
§ If not, why not?