At the APCMH National AGM and Members’ Day on Saturday, 4 November, 2000, John Foskett led us in an exploration of what it means to "Be Alongside". He suggested that by finding out more about where we are, we can learn more about how to truly be alongside others. John helped us to be more in touch with ourselves and with each other in the context of the day and the place. He encouraged us to be more aware of the things that help us to stay alongside other people but also to be aware of the times when we need space and to be apart. Both are important.

In groups we explored some aspects of our childhoods. Childhood can be a source of important insights into the ways we are able to be alongside others in the present. In a culture that did not value them, we thought about Jesus’ emphasis on children and why they might have been so unique and important to Him. We also thought about children’s rich experiences of spirituality, often related in the context of relationships, and gained some fascinating insights from research carried out by David Hay and Rebecca Nye and collected in a book "The Spirit of the Child". It was clear that from an early age children found it difficult to talk about spiritual things and thought that people would think them "funny" or "mad".

John talked about the difficulty of talking about spiritual experiences in the context of our mental health problems. Although they are often rich experiences they can be devalued and we learn not to talk about them.

John thought about three different areas or themes that were important in the recovery of people who had experienced mental distress. The first was a non-judgemental , non-medical or therapeutic person, who keeps returning or stays with the person. Presence is all-important. The second was the importance of being able to help others in a similar situation, which helps to give the experience meaning and purpose. The third was the creative opportunities of poetry, creative writing and other mediums can bring. All are ways of coming more closely into relationship with others and ourselves.

APCMH encourages spaces, times to be with other another, to talk without the usual pressure of timetables and expectations. Once again, in small groups we were encouraged to share more about the spiritual importance and significance of our own mental health problems. In this space and time many felt they were able to relate at a deeper level, to talk about their spirituality and feel safe, and that it is part of the "good news" to communicate these things to each other.

John left us all with much to think and reflect about – about ourselves and others – where we are now and where we have come from, and the links between our mental health and our spirituality. He gave us opportunities to be alongside each other in ways that are not always possible in our everyday lives, and also times to be apart, helping us to experience, consider and reflect on the value and importance of both for us personally.

Thank you John, for an amazing day!