JourneyOnline
You may never see them, but they are there, people living by themselves, depressed, anxious or confused – people battling a mental illness.
A group called Group 61 has formed on Brisbane’s north-side as a multi-denominational response to mental health issues.
The group supports 30 people with a team of 40 volunteers, a number of whom come from Chermside-Kedron Community Church, a Uniting Church congregation where Group 61 is an integral part.
Moreton Rivers Presbytery minister Rev Murray Fysh said the church has a long association with the group and it was an important activity within the congregation’s life.
“It is important for any congregation because the church has a responsibility to stand up for the poor, the oppressed and the sick. It just has to do it,” he said.
“They meet there and members of the congregation felt led to stand in solidarity with these people.”
Support group coordinator John Fox said all denominations behind the group provide excellent assistance.
“The support the group gets from all churches in the area is phenomenal.”
Group 61 was a nominee in the 2006 Business Achiever Awards from Quest Community Newspapers.
The already strong Management Committee would like to see an experienced manager join their leadership team.
For more information contact John on 3359 4089 or Yvonne on 3353 5620
Photo : Ray McDougall from St Andrew’s Anglican and Group 61 Spiritual Adviser Rev Ron Wilson from Brisbane North Churches of Christ. Photo by Roy Hunter
