Our theme this month at Leeds Sanctuary is “Love”, which is often expressed through the Care we show to others. Caring for ourselves and for those in our families and communities is another element of the Methodist Way of Life , and is such a big part of our calling as Christians (read more here).
Sometimes we feel unable or ill-equipped to help others in a way that seems meaningful, so Anna, David and the Leeds Sanctuary team have put together a list of some of the things people in our lives have told us they’ve really appreciated…
- Homemade gifts
- Going out for coffee or a drink with someone
- Listening really well when people are sharing with you
- Making a phone call (as that makes space)
- Making time to reflect on a book together
- Praying together
- Cooking a meal for someone
- Writing a card
- Sending a text to see how someone is
- Paying a compliment
- Going for a walk
One of our core values at Leeds Sanctuary is Flourishing, and we would love to hear from you with your own suggestions of ways to care for others and ways you look after yourself; or if you need support and think that perhaps we can signpost you to a service who can help you. Some local care-related organisations include:
Home-Start Leeds – offering practical and emotional support to families of young children
Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service
Linking Leeds – social prescribers for our city