Ark index page

<BODY> <H1>Ark Mission Statement </H1> <P>The purpose of ARK is to assist the English speaking communities of the Var in areas of Pastoral care where there may be need of compassionate help and personal support. Such instances would include bereavement, illness , stress and other difficulties where there may be limited physical or emotional resources to cope with the day to day problems that may arise in their lives. </P> <P>It is increasingly evident that the number of British and other English speaking people coming to live in the Var or purchasing second homes is steadily growing. At the same time there is also an increasing group of people who have been here for many years and whose home is in this part of France and no longer have friends or links back to the UK; There is a genuine risk of them becoming isolated or simply lonely when they lose a loved one or close friends. It is in these situations we wish to be able to be able to help with the various needs. We are aware these services may be available within the local French community, but do not wish to burden the French social services, but wish to encourage people to support each other and, where appropriate, be prepared to accept support without loss of self-esteem. Part of this process might involve the formation of self-help groups that can meet regularly and operate within a specific area which has obvious benefits. Such as contact and communication.</P> <P> Peter is an Anglican minister assisting in the chaplaincies of St Raphael and Cannes on a voluntary basis, and his wife Shirley, an experienced care assistant with the elderly. Peter also serves on the committee of the British Association for the Var and shares in the running and organisation of a newly formed bereavement support network created for all those in the Var that may be in need this type of support. </P> </BODY>