Hope in the Darkness: Kintsugi Hope

I’m writing this in March 2021, the UK is in lockdown, and, on most days, there is a news story concerning the impact of Covid-19 on the nation’s health.  Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey has just been broadcast and we’ve heard of the lack of support and feelings of isolation that became so bad that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex said she “didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

I can’t remember a time when issues of mental health have been more mainstream. The stigma of the past is lifting; mental health is centre stage and while many, including the Duchess of Sussex, are able to be candid about their experiences of poor mental health, others are not. Considerable numbers are still too ashamed to admit life is far from ok. For some, including many within the Church, the desire to project an image of a near-perfect life can be one of the drivers leading them to conceal how they’re really feeling.

Thank God then, that charities like Kintsugi Hope exist. 

Kintsugi is the Japanese technique for repairing broken pottery with a seam of gold – the mend making the article lovelier than the original. This beautiful concept of the restoration enhancing, not hiding, the broken part spills over into the working practices of Kintsugi Hope. Founded by Patrick Regan OBE in 2017, the charity offers Wellbeing Groups ‘for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by life’.  The 12-week programme, run by trained church volunteers, is loosely based on Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12 Steps, but with a focus on emotional wellbeing and good mental health. Topics covered include anxiety, anger, disappointment, perfectionism, resilience and shame. 

Many of those attending are at rock bottom; perhaps they have critically low self-esteem, or have lost their job or are struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Yet, through the love and support of the group, problems are faced and discussed, relationships mended and new ones formed. Some come to faith, others return to faith. Groups have run in homeless hostels, farmers markets, schools, businesses and charities and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. One participant said: “It’s helped me make sense of myself and my life – everyone should take part!” 

Kintsugi Hope’s response to the mental health crisis sweeping through the UK is based on two of Patrick’s core convictions, that “Loneliness magnifies issues of poor mental health” and “A supporting and loving community are key to good mental health; social isolation and loneliness can be killers.” Sadly, these needs are not going away anytime soon and the months of Covid-related restrictions, social distancing, tiers and lockdown has only served to exacerbate the problems. But, as Patrick says, “there is no embarrassment in struggle”, and the groups’ commitment to create a safe space based on community, peer support and led discussions often allows the healing process to begin.

The demand for the work is huge, and continues to grow. At the beginning of 2020 Kintsugi Hope had 40 church partners. Since the first lockdown they’ve signed up a new church partner almost every day – they now work with more than 200 churches, and have trained more than 600 leaders.

Just nine months ago Paul* was battling suicidal thoughts and was off work as his chronic depression meant he couldn’t fulfil the demands of his job. He came along to a Wellbeing group, and by week nine felt well enough to return to work.  Today he’s rebuilding his life and smiling again.

Hundreds of people like Paul have had their lives transformed and are now able to look forward to the future. A future made possible by generosity: generous donors have met financial need; local churches have seen the need and freely given of their time and physical space – and Stewardship stepped up with a no-strings attached grant too. Patrick explains further: “Covid could have seen the end of us. Most of our income comes from events and associated book sales, and overnight this income stream stopped. We were wondering how we would survive – Stewardship saw our potential and backed us at a very important time.”   

I’ll let Patrick have the (almost) last word: “We can’t offer what the mental health professionals can, and we shouldn’t try. But, working with churches and Christians, we can offer love, acceptance, community and support.”

 

That’s often what’s needed most. It’s almost always enough.