Board of Social Responsibility (NI) tackles drug problems among young people
Seconding the report of the Board of Social Responsibility (Northern Ireland) today, Revd Malcom Ferry urged the Church to become “a vehicle of change in our society”, particularly with regard to how it deals with drug and alcohol abuse. “We must become a church of Prevention, a church of Intervention, a church of Aftercare”, he said.
The Board has drawn up a strategy for the future with regard to this area and an action plan for implementation throughout the Church. A presentation of the Draft Strategy was made to the House of Bishops and was well received.
The Chief Executive of the BSR (NI) is a member of the Inter-Church Addiction Project which is currently carrying out a study of the needs of those from 15-18 years of age with drug and alcohol problems. The Board is also raising awareness on drug-related issues with a variety of initiatives.
Other projects undertaken by the Board during the year include: Marriage counselling training for clergy in the Diocese of Down and Dromore (with the Marriage Council); Training for Parents (with the MU and CIYD); involvement in a child contact centre; The Board issued a response to Children are Unbeatable.
In 2005, 17 couples attended information evenings held by the Church of Ireland Adoption society. Six couples attended the training course for people who apply to adopt. Adoption orders were granted in respect of two children. A post-adoption service provides support and information to adult adoptees, birth relatives of adoptees and adoptive parents. Some 115 enquiries were received in 2005.
The fertility counselling service received 224 new referrals during the year. The Board places emphasis on maintaining up-to-date skills and at present both counsellors are receiving additional counselling and training.
Pastoral services to the deaf, hearing impaired and disabled continue to be provided by Canon Bill Murphy, who also adopts an awareness raising role.
Proposing the report of the Board of Social Responsibility NI to Synod, the Rt Revd Alan Harper expressed his gratitude to Mr James McGaffin who recently resigned from the Board after many years service. The Bishop also made a plea for help in identifying other individuals with wisdom and passion who could contribute to the work of the Board. “The existing members of the Board would welcome others of equal passion (but perhaps more time and expertise than I have) to shape and drive the work we do in giving practical expression to the love of God in Christ”, he said.