Talking about "stuff"

How do you deal with stress? For me, it often involves hitting a hockey ball very hard in the (general) direction of the opposition's goal! For other people it might be getting away from it all for a bit, walking in the park, listening to music or something else. Sometimes we need someone to talk to.

Those of use who are involved in the various Breathe groups as leaders are all ready to listen to anyone that needs to talk. You might want to meet at Starbucks, McDonalds or somewhere else, or you might want to just let go of whatever is on your mind, and one way of doing that is to write it down. That might be on a piece of paper you then rip up so no-one else sees it, it might be a text or an email.

I've added a new email address to our list - BreatheHelp@gmail.com. It's there if you want to let rip about something or someone, let off steam, release some stress, or just use it as a way to kick off a conversation. It may or may not help, but it's there. It's confidential, in that I am the one that receives the mail sent to it. However, while I can keep a lot to myself, there are some occasions that I have no choice but to share information with others; for example if someone is being abused and they tell me about it I have to share that information with people who can offer appropriate, qualified help and support. I do, occasionally, also share information with other leaders so we can offer someone the best possible support as a team. For example, if I know that someone on a Friday night is having a tough time because an incident at school I'll let the other leaders know so they understand why that person might be acting a bit differently to normal.

We all want the best for everyone we spend time with, whether it be at youth club, school, church or wherever, and will do all we can to support anyone who is having a difficult time. As a Christian, I believe that God is love, and that he is with us all the time, through thick and thin. We're here for you, through thick and thin, and will listen. God loves you, and wants to help you grow and deal with the trouble life is throwing at you. Talk to him, talk to us, talk to someone you trust.

In Christ,

Andy