GENEROUS worshippers from the Church of England Diocese of Portsmouth raised a record amount via the Bishop’s Lent Appeal this year.

Bishop Christopher Foster with Simon Randell as he prepares pudding for the group.

A staggering £31,400 was raised – 50 per cent more than last year – through sacrificial donations and fundraising events in our parishes.

Church of England Bishop of Portsmouth Christopher Foster said: “This is a huge achievement, for which I am immensely grateful to you all. It is a tangible sign of how committed we are as a diocese to supporting the needs of people in our communities and the wider world.”

As usual, the money will be split between an international charity and a local project.

This year, the international charity chosen was Bethlehem Arab Society for Reconciliation (BASR), which works across Palestine and provides surgery and rehabilitation for victims of violence.

Bishop Christopher led a pilgrimage for our curates earlier this year, which included a visit to BASR.

The other half of the appeal fund has been split between local charities that help people with mental health problems. We’re also working with our diocesan mental health adviser, the Rev James Hair, to raise awareness of these issues and the support available across our diocese.

One of the beneficiaries was the League of Friends of Oaklands which gives support and company to adults with severe and enduring mental health issues.

The group, which meets at Titchfield Community Centre, was presented with £600 by Bishop Christopher.

It was set up 19 years ago by Heather Watts and Irene Bromley. The group has 60 members who meet weekly to share a meal, learn domestic skills and make friends. For many of them it is the only place they feel comfortable and loved.

Heather said: “I have two sons who have mental health problems and are going blind.

“Duncan was a medical student and training to be a doctor, but he became ill in his first year. He was very poorly and it was difficult because he could understand what was happening. He was in hospital for four years.

“There are groups, but they only meet for a limited time – six weeks or so. I found Irene, whose son had been ill for some time, and we wanted a group run for members and by members. We all do everything here, it’s like a family, and we all have a say.

“We used to meet three times a week, but we no longer receive any government funding, so it is just on a Monday. Members help to shop, and help to make a two-course meal, involving fruit and veg, and help to wash up. This may be the only cooked meal they have in the entire week. It also helps them to learn skills they need around their own homes.

“There are some people who need to catch two buses to get here, but they still won’t miss it. They come from Warsash, Gosport, Bishop’s Waltham and Portchester to get here.

“There are more people who need this kind of group, especially as other mental health centres keep closing. But we also need more volunteers to help us, as we’re not getting any younger. You don’t need any special skills, just to be able to listen.”

And Irene said: “It’s the only group my son will come to. Heather deserves a medal for all she has done.”

Members are referred to the group via their care co-ordinators, and tend to make their own way to the centre. Simon Randell, 51, from Fareham, said: “I enjoy people’s company, especially the bingo and raffle, and I’ve made a lot of friends here. I like to make the puddings, especially something like Eton mess.”

And Mary Marsh, 54, who also lives in Fareham, said: “I like the social side, and having a balanced dinner and pudding. And I like coming to the countryside because I live in a town and appreciate seeing the country as I cycle here. I’ve learnt how to cook better.”

If you would like to volunteer to help, please contact Heather on heatherwatts7@aol.com.

Other groups to receive money include: Portsmouth Mind (£500), Off the Record (£2,300), Veterans Outreach Service (£2,450), Portsmouth Abuse Rape Crisis Service (£2,450) and Independent Arts (£2,300)