BA Committee
Some of the National Committee as at September, 2010.
l – r: Sister Theresa Mountney, Mark Dadds, Miriam Reyes,
John Vallat, Pam Freeman, Lionel Perkin, Suzannah Heneghan, Diana Klewin
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Who We Are
Being Alongside, (the operating name of the Association of Pastoral
Care in Mental Health, Being Alongside), is a Christian based, voluntary association
of individual members and affiliated groups who recognise the importance
of spiritual values and support in mental health.It has a network of
supporters throughout the United Kingdom and it welcomes and encourages
people whatever their own faith or belief system.
Governed by its National Committee, B.A. / Being Alongside is primarily concerned
to promote and encourage ‘being alongside’ people experiencing
mental or emotional distress.
Our History
BA was founded in 1986 through the pioneering spirit of Christian parents
whose son was mentally ill. They wanted to raise awareness of the spiritual
needs of people with mental health problems both in mental health services
and in churches.
Over the next decade that work developed and expanded with the last
five years seeing a period of change and consolidation
What We Do
Mental health difficulties cross all boundaries of race, creed, sexuality,
status or disability. Accordingly, BA is primarily concerned with the
spiritual needs of people with mental health problems.We hope to encourage
local initiatives in faith communities in order to support and empower
mental health service users.
Several befriending schemes and drop-in centres have been set up by
BA members and the experience gained from them can be shared.
We may also be able to suggest speakers or help arrange
conferences to raise awareness in the faith communities and amongst
mental health professionals.
What We Do Not Do
- not offer individual counselling.
- not offer professional, medical or clinical, therapeutic
treatment or advice.
- not use any of its activities to impose any religious
belief.
