With the British Medical Association recently reporting that mental health services will not be being resourced at a quick enough rate to reply to the extent of demand, Reverend Canon Kerry Dixon, a Mission Development Officer in Scotland for Church Army, has transformed his traditional Episcopal church in Dundee right into a lifeline for those suffering with poor mental health issues, helping them to avoid or overcome a resulting addiction.
Based in Dundee, a city facing Europe’s highest rates of social housing and drug-related deaths per capita, Kerry has worked tirelessly to develop the Pirate Monks and Pirate Nuns support groups, providing care and guidance to those with mental health issues where overstretched public services fall short, in an effort to intervene before their mental health deteriorates into addiction and/or homelessness.
The cycle of mental health and depression isn’t recent to Kerry; with 35 years of experience, he has seen first-hand how poor mental health can result in addiction, with service users often turning to alcohol, drugs or other dangerous behaviours to self-medicate away the emotions of sadness and perceived failure.
This issue is commonly made worse by the vicious cycle that’s played out over and all over again in Dundee, in addition to many other parts of the UK, where public services won’t step in until the person is sober, yet they feel they cannot achieve sobriety until their underlying mental health issues have been addressed. However, with Kerry’s guidance, the outcomes of the 2 support groups has been exceptional, with many using the tailored care and guidance to show away from their addiction towards functioning lives.
What is remarkable about Pirate Monks and Pirate Nuns is that Kerry has created an area that’s accessible to everyone, irrespective of non secular background. While Christianity is the fundamental driver for the groups, what’s in-built Dundee is a concentrate on hospitality and constructing real connections between the attendees to assist them navigate their mental health challenges.
Kerry commented: “The support that Pirate Monks and Pirate Nuns provides is each emotional and practical. My objective is to construct an environment where attendees can feel secure and secure, but additionally heard and understood. While the group is built on Christianity, we support all faiths, and we support one another; constructing lasting friendships and connections.
“Practically, I provide essential items like clothing and access to foodbanks, but additionally help out by supporting them through the technique of getting a everlasting place to live via the council. And after they are moved into accommodation, I help out with DIY – recently I used to be laying carpets and fitting a shower for one among our group.
“Building the trust of the individuals who depend on the 2 groups is important, and to construct that trust I actually have not only taken them away on weekend retreat, but additionally engaged in symbolic gestures like a foot-washing ceremony on Maundy Thursday.”
You can discover more about Pirate Monks on Church Army’s website at this link.
