Listening service to tackle isolation
People living with addiction, isolation and those experiencing a difficult time are being offered a listening ear with the roll out of a new service at King’s Park Church.
The church will launch its weekly Active Listening Service for people in the community from November 22 onwards.
It will see people with basic counselling skills offer one-to-one sessions, as well as group chats for people to share their problems with others.
Reverend Sandra Boyd said the service aimed to remove the loneliness often felt by people facing emotional challenges.
She said: “Too often today we hear of those struggling with alcohol and gambling addictions, not knowing where to turn for help. Many experience mental health problems, which others don’t recognise or understand, others the breakdown of relationships.
“In society today many people are isolated from family and friends through no fault of their own.
“Some people are in their homes all day at times without anyone to talk to or visit them. They may find it difficult to talk to family about their problems and would rather talk to a sympathetic ear.
“We at King’s Park Church are very aware of this difficulty and would like to provide a listening service in our community.”
The service will run at St Mungo Hall every Wednesday evening between 7pm and 9pm in the form of a drop in.
Everyone will be made welcome and be able to chat to others over a cuppa - either at a table with other people, or people can sign up for a half hour slot of one-toone with someone who has some basic counselling skills.
A pick-up and drop-off service will operate alongside the sessions, where transport can be provided to and from the hall for those who need it.
Reverend Boyd added: “We are not here to solve the problems of the world, if only it was that easy.
“We provide a listening ear, without judgement, in a professional and confidential manner. We are happy to listen and reflect and, should the individual situation require, to point people to professionals in the relevant field who can help in specific cases.
“We are a Christian group, believing that we are all God’s children and want to help our brothers and sisters by offering to others what someone has offered to each of us.”
People who would like more information about the service and those interested in volunteering for the group should call Rev Boyd on 07919 676 242 or e-mail sandraboyd.bofa@btopenworld. com.
People who need transport to the group should call 0141 636 8688.
We provide a listening ear, without judgement, in a professional and confidential manner