The Reverend Anne Futcher, Social Concern Officer, reports:
‘Enriching’.. ‘insightful’…‘deeply moving’… ‘supportive’ … ‘thoughtful and thought-provoking…’. These were just some of the reflections shared by participants during, and following, the 2024 Cyprus Social Outreach Forum, on the theme of Life with serious illness.
On 12th September, 48 people, drawn from a range of not-for-profit organisations and from different churches across Cyprus gathered online to consider the theme Life with serious illness. Following introductions from Bishop Sean (Chair) and the Revd Anne Futcher, (Convenor), there were three short presentations which looked at Life with serious illness from different perspectives.
Canon John Holdsworth, speaking from personal experience of caring for his wife who had suffered from dementia, shared “Seven things that Dementia Carers need to know”. As one participant, with experience in supporting cancer sufferers and their families, commented, he spoke of “everyday issues that all chronic sufferers and their primary carers face… Mr Holdsworth’s words touched me.”
Maria Evangelou, drawing on her long experence in nursing, focussed on the loneliness and isolation inherent in serious chronic illness from the sufferer’s perspective. Noting how the impact of loneliness escalates over time, Maria stressed how important it is for the sick person to retain a social network and the presence of loved ones.
As one participant later put it, Alexandros Tifas, the third speaker “elegantly explained to us the role of the carer and its importance’”. Drawing from his experience as a mental health nursing officer, Alexandros focussed on burnout in caregivers, and its prevention through both recognising its early signs and by practising self-care.
Following the three presentations, participants formed small discussion groups to reflect on what they had heard. Issues raised within groups covered concern for the care of asylum-seekers and refugees who fall sick; the importance and value of knowing what information and support can be offered to both the seriously ill person and their carers; coming to terms with not always being in control of our own health, or that of our loved ones; and how churches can best support the day-to-day needs of ageing congregations.
Compassion and care—and gentle humour—shone out amidst the most painful of situations in the reflections shared and stories told. The openness of participants and speakers, and their honesty and courage, was deeply appreciated.
Reflecting on the one piece of learning she had taken away from the afternoon, one particpant said, acknowledging the words of Alexandros Tifas: “We must learn to say ‘yes’ when we are offered help.”
During the final plenary, each speaker was asked to identify the one thing they wanted participants to take away. For John Holdsworth, it was that, despite the dementia, the person we love is still there. For Alexandros Tifas, it was putting self-care for the care-giver first. And for Maria Evangelou, it was simply this: “Be there!”
Photo credit: Freepik