Page 27 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link ne • January 1999 27
Helpline to get you talking What is the meaning of
life in North Swindon?
If the guidelines for a smooth Christmas given by Relate in the
December Link did not work for you, calling a helpline might. An Alpha course is a good way of
finding out more about being a What is the purpose of life?
Supported by Candis, the best Centre Manager Christine Gill
selling family magazine, Relate is delighted that this service in now Christian in today's world. Why are we here?
The Church of Christ the Serv-
Swindon offers the opportunity to more widely available. "We know ant, Abbey Meads, will be starting What happens after death?
talk with its professional counsel- from our records that over 90% of Why is there so much
one in January. A introductory
lors by phone. callers who have contracted us on video followed by supper takes suffering in the world?
The Relate/Candis Help Line the Relate/Candis Help Line have place on Friday 8 January, 7.30pm Life's greatest questions
can provide callers with their first valued the help they have been in the community centre. explored by members
experience of talking to a trained given. We now look forward to This is a no commitments chance of the Baha'i Faith.
counsellor and a variety of issues being able to offer this means of to find out more before the course
are often raised. Although Re- support locally, in addition to our and to ask all those awkward ques- For further information
late's main service is relationship other services. tions you've always had in your please call 01793 873684/873877
counselling, counsellors are The Baha'i faith is the second most
Relate/Candis Help Line 0990 133236 mind. For details, call Deaconess widespread religion in the world and is
trained to help other situations too. Tuesdays 2pm - 8pm Maureen Spinks on 706558. working towards universal peace and harmony
They are also able to suggest other
(calls charged at national rate)
agencies that could be approached.
This facility has been open to Intro to counsellor training
readers of Candis for some time, Relate Swindon is offering train-
but is now extended to people liv- ing to people interested in becom-
ing in this area. Calls to the line ing a couples counsellor. They are Separating? AMI LY
have included problems with teen- holding information sessions on
agers, especially in step-families, Wednesday 13 January, 7pm to . lm- ION
g
people thinking about leaving long Divorcing? '^ _ ___
9pm and Thursday 14 January,
term relationships and how to cope 1pm to 3pm. For further details,
with discovering a partner is hav- contact Relate on 527644. Family Mediation can help you to reduce the stress and costs of
ing an affair. separation. You can jointly reach agreement about your house,
The helpline can be used by peo-
ple self-conscious about attending New depression & money matters and issues about the children
the centre or who wish to remain anxiety suppo rt group
anonymous. It can also be used by A new self-help group has been Tel: (01793) 527285 to find out more
people in more rural areas where set up to provide support for peo- Family Mediation Service
transport is a problem. Sometimes ple suffering from depression and 37A Regent Street, Swindon SNl 1JL
it can offer an instant response in a anxiety. For details, call Focus on
crisis situation. Carers & Self Help on 531133. Reg. Charity No. 285841

Busker brings joy to PMH kids Married, single, young or old
Keen guitar player Chris Butcher handed over the proceeds of his something for all ages at SWINDON
busking activities to the children's unit at PMH on 14 December. FAMILY CHURCH
o^Svangel1
Formerly of Haydon Wick and
now living at the Bolingbroke Worsley Road af^ Live with integrity
Arms Restaurant in Hook, twelve Love wholeheartedly
year old Chris has raised £234 from Trust God in all things
customer donations since mid- m m m n SUNDAYS 10.30AM
July. This was enough to pay for a m m m^ AT THE LINK CENTRE
playstation and a television. buildingwithpeople (Community Suite)
He raised a similar amount in
the first half of the year busking in Sundays at 10am & 6.30pm c PINEHURST PEOPLE'S
the town centre which bought a For further information of CENTRE
Nintendo and a TV. other meetings ring: 873050
He is now planning other PMH patient Lorien Bard well, 10, or call at the Church office All ages of children & teens cared for
fundraising activities. receives the donation from Chris People have found the real Information: Call Brian on 849731
in association with
meaning to life - Have You? NEW FRONTIERS INTERNATIONAL
Youth do Alpha

On 22 November, sixteen young people and six leaders huddled
against the cold on the top deck of Swindon Youth for Christ double
decker bus parked at the Oasis Leisure Centre, writes Kevin Anderson. OCAL CHURCHES
The youngsters were taking part the adult version of Alpha, this
in the Youth Alpha course run by took the form of an awayday. All Saints' Lydiard Millicent - 10:30am
Westlea church, for 11 to 15 year Sandwiched between presenta- Revd Peter Knight: 772417 (for the Village & Roughmoor)
olds from the West Swindon and tions were two activity sessions Holy Trinity Shaw-10:30am Revd Andrew Hetherington: 770568
Lydiards parish. where members could opt for bad- (the Church is at Shaw Village Centre)
The frosty morning temperature minton, table tennis, swimming, St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze - 9:00am,10:30am N o'
soon thawed as everyone enjoyed unihoc or expressive crafts. Revd Mn Mackenzie: 870244 g D
the imaginative and lively talks, The course finished before Toothill Church - 10:45am Revd Mark Roper: 692620
discussions and activities. Thebus Christmas; everyone involved had (also Free Church minister for the parish)
is equipped with video, music and a thoroughly enjoyable and some-
refreshments and provided an in- times challenging time. This age is Westlea Church - 10:00am Revd Peter Walker: 872932
(this Church meets in Westlea School Hall, Langstone Way)
teresting and adventurous venue. often ignored or misunderstood
Starting in September the course and it is rewarding to have worked The Parish of West Swindon and the Lydiards
had reached the series of three pres- with a group who have been so Baptist • Church of England • Methodist • United Reformed Church
entations on the Holy Spirit. Like enthusiastic and interested.