Sheffield Local Care Network

Upeksaraja has been volunteering with the Abhayaratna Trust to run a pilot scheme for the Local Care Network in Sheffield. Here is a short report on how things have been going with the scheme there.

‘ Initiating a local care network in Sheffield on behalf of the Abhyaratna Trust is very much in the exploratory stage, unfortunately hindered by the Coronovirus lockdown.

I have been testing the Age UK Compass questionnaire on people to get a sense of how helpful it might be for Order Members. In principle it has proved worthwhile, provoking reflection and discovery for those who have participated. Whether in its’ present form it is the best we can do requires further consideration, but indications are that many Oms (whether in ‘need’ or not) could find the exercise useful as a sort of MOT. What is missing is a section on spiritual matters, although some of this does overlap with the overall thrust of the system. We are looking into including something more in this area.

Other discussions with those who have been involved in supporting Oms, indicates that a local information service would be a helpful aid, and possibly also counselling in more difficult cases.

In these situations, the setting up of a more hands-on network has been taken care of through effective Chapter action, and has been self generating here in Sheffield where there is a large, active and skilled Order sangha. A smaller sangha, or more isolated OMs would probably require greater input, such as a list of willing volunteers and a system of initiation and co-ordination.

My next task is to link with the Buddhist Centre, which has organised support for those needing it from the lockdown. I am expecting that there are lessons that we can learn from this, and at the same time offer possible assistance for the future. I am hoping this will facilitate recognition and support for the Trust’s potential to be more than a means of financial aid’.

Upeksaraja