GUESTS at the Helping Hands morning tea, Friday, at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, were challenged by speaker Jules Allen to stand if they knew anyone experiencing either depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health issues, job loss, separation, loss of a loved one, or low self-esteem.
“Wow, I think I can stop there,” she said, to a hall full of standing people. “Have a good look around, do a circle, look around the room. Where are they? They are right here, they are us and we are them, there is no them and us, there is only us.”
Parent Kerri Parkinson said those who attended the talk were “enriched, moved and inspired, with some holding back tears to others being completely captivated”.
Ms Allen spoke about the foster care system and her experiences with some of the 30,000 young people in care, with carers becoming few and far between.
She singled out local woman Genevieve Myer who has cared for 115 foster babies.
Ms Allen gave an insight into her life: from her lowest points and how they played a huge part in whom she is today, and the work she has accomplished.
Her theme was that we are all the same. “Absolutely none of us are an exception to life’s rules and chaos,” she said. The comment sits well with the Helping Hands concept, with members aiming to make a difference in their community.
The 80 guests helped raise more than $2300 for the community.
Businesses or individuals able to donate goods or services can contact Helping Hands through Facebook.
First published in the Western Port News – 22 November 2016
