ies and their churches
demand a more direct and immediate response, which takes the form of ARC projects like the Rural Stress Helpline, and the support for the network of Agricultural Chaplains and Rural Officers across the country.
Maybe now is the time for the media to accept the reality of a darker side of the rural idyll. On 7 March 2010 there will be an appeal on BBC Radio 4, to raise both awareness of the hidden hardship that exists in rural communities and funds to help the ARC’s work to equip the church in its own work to overcome these problems. For this issue to reach millions through a BBC broadcast is rare indeed; and the church is at the heart of the solution. This is probably why Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes has agreed to front the appeal on behalf of the ARC. Pam is passionate about tackling the real hardship and suffering that she has seen in farming and rural communities. As a journalist and presenter, Pam has interviewed rural people who are poor, isolated or vulnerable and have nowhere to turn. She has spoken to farmers who have watched the businesses they have spent lifetimes building disappear before their eyes because of animal disease or flooding.
The Appeal will tell the story of one person that the ARC was able to help: Margaret.
Margaret was left alone, isolated and depressed when her marriage broke down after 34 years. She didn’t drive and lived on a busy road with few footpaths. There were few local activities and nowhere to meet people, not even a village shop. She wanted to move but couldn’t afford a property in one of the more desirable villages, and felt scared by the prospect of selling her home. She felt she had no-one to turn to for help and was desperately lonely. Margaret was told about the Arthur Rank Centre’s Rural Stress Helpline by her doctor. Her worries were listened to and she felt better about her situation when she had talked in confidence about her difficulties. She was put her in touch with her local church; now she is visited regularly by a member of the congregation, who takes her to different events where she is slowly making new friends.
Please remember to tune in to Radio 4 on Sunday 7 March at 7.55am, and support the ARC Appeal.
Kathryn Payne ARC Fundraiser
www.countyway.org.uk
21
arthur rank centre
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32