On Wednesday 26 April, Caritas Diocese of Plymouth was delighted to host an evening with David Wells. In a short seminar he reflected on how our wellbeing and mental health is linked through Christ to the love of our neighbour. Jesus linked the service of others to our very fulfilment and taught us that we can be more at peace if we can learn to focus our attention upon the needs of others, but also making time for ourselves and moving away from a culture of constant ‘to-do’ lists. We may all feel that we don’t have the time or energy to volunteer, but helping others in whatever way we can, benefits everyone. Here are some quotes from people who attended:

Enriched and renewed my joy – thank you

‘I would like to attend more organised, inspiring events like this – keeps hope alive.’ 

‘Amazing. Yet again I go away inspired to do more and to share what I can and to do so joyfully.  Thank you David and thank you Caritas’. 

If you would like to receive information about future events please email caritas@prcdtr.org.uk to be added to our mailing list.

We were pleased to be joined by the following organisations who do great work across our diocese and who would love people to get involved and support their work:

Stella Maris is the largest ship-visiting network in the world. They improve the lives of seafarers and fishers through a network of local chaplains andseafarer centres, expert information, advocacy, and spiritual support.Stella Maris offers a range of volunteering opportunities.

The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need.They visit people in their homes, hospital, prison, and care homes on a regular basis and offer sincere friendship and practical support. The new diocesan SVP membership support officers would love to hear from you if you are interested in the SVP: Chantal Kouadio-Tiacoh 07570428070 chantalKT@svp.org.uk; Joseph Harrison 07566225665 JosephH@svp.org.uk

The Catholic Children’s Society Plymouth (CCSP) supports families of all faiths and none within the Diocese of Plymouth.They provide grants to families and children in need; parenting courses in school andcommunity settings; the Good Shepherd Programme, encouraging children to think of others;Rainbows Bereavement and Loss training for schools and parishes. CCSP are looking for parish volunteers to share their work and appeals and support withfundraising.

The Love in Action team is a small group based at Plymouth Cathedral who aim to share God’s love through outreach to both the local community and parish through regular events and campaigns.They organise collection of food and hygiene items that are distributed to the local community through a breakfast club and Christmas hampers at the Cathedral schools.They hold a monthly Meet and Make group that gathers children and parents to explore the Gospel through fun making activities and offers a place of connection and sharing for local families. They hold event days to highlight examples of reaching out to those in need. The Love in Action group has a Facebook page ( Love in Action ♥️) or you can contact them via the Cathedral parish office Telephone: 01752 662537 Email: plymouth-cathedral@prcdtr.org.uk.

Caritas Diocese of Plymouth would also invite people to consider being a Caritas Friend – a point of contact in the parish to share information about our activities and events and to let us know the great work happening at parish level. If you are interested please contact Deborah or Fran – caritas@prcdtr.org.uk