St Andrews Women's Group – September Meeting Report

Our September meeting held on Wednesday 6th. September was a great success and an opportunity to catch up with friends after our summer break.

We were privileged to have as our speakers Monica Haworth and June Willis who are both volunteer pastoral workers with the Agricultural Chaplaincy.

They told us of the work they are involved in among the farming community. There are so many stressful situations and pressures put upon farmers that mental illness and suicide is a very common occurrence. Financial and health problems can result in loss of home and livelihood.

Help is available from this wonderful charity and its dedicated team of volunteers. Only 16 volunteers for the whole of Cheshire and the Wirral.

As well as pastoral work they also run social evenings for farmers and their families to get together, provide practical help with bereaved families, childcare and a listening ear.

We were asked to say what we thought would put pressure on farmers. Our list was endless! For each suggestion a brick was removed from the Jenga pile until it finally collapsed symbolic of the collapse of the farmer under the weight of all these pressures.

Thankyou Monica and June for the work you do , for such an awe inspiring evening and for bringing to our attention the needs of the farming community.

Our next meeting will be Wednesday October 4th when we learn more about the Chester based charity KIDSBANK.

NB. If you know of anyone in the farming community who is need of help , encourage them to contact The Agricultural Chaplaincy. Details can be seen on the featured photograph.

Ed: Click on the photographs to enlarge them