IDEAS SECTION


These are a few suggestions from our members in Firhouse as to how to keep your Community / Parish informed about Bethany Services.

1. All branches should ensure that notices and information relating to Bethany support in their area are included in community / parish notices, newsletters, etc.

2. A poster giving information about Bethany meetings, venue, etc. could be displayed in a prominent location such as the church porch, community centre or another suitable area.

3. Parish funerals: - the clergy could be asked to make reference to Bethany and its services to bereaved families in the community. The format of words / information could be compiled by Bethany and be readily available. (This information would be very useful especially if there is a visiting priest.)

4. Local undertakers could be approached by the Bethany branch with a view to displaying a Bethany poster in a funeral parlor.

5. In Firhouse parish they send a Mass / sympathy card to bereaved families. They have been advised by recipients and/or their families that those cards are well received.

These are a few suggestions from our members in Marley as to how to keep the Community / Parish, informed about Bethany Services

1. Notices in all our community / parish newsletters letting parishioners know where a group has formed and what the group is about. This should be done at least once a year to remind people about the Bethany services in the Parish but also to let new people know about them. For example, in Marley parish Fr. Jim thanks the Funeral Team and also the Bethany Bereavement Support so those parishioners are reminded Bethany is there if needed. This creates awareness about the Bethany service in the Community / Parish but it can also encourage new people to join.

2. Submitting an article about the Bethany Bereavement Group and its work to papers such as the Irish Catholic, as well as religious magazines such as Reality or The Messenger.

3. A slot on national radio and/or television, telling our story and if possible have someone who used the Bethany service to share theirs. It would be so powerful to hear and read the real life stories of those individuals who were helped by Bethany. The Marley group feels the personal story is the key.

4. A stand at the National Ploughing Championship.

5. A stand at one of the religious conferences.

6. Making contact with hospital chaplains, giving them a list of and contact details for our groups throughout the country, so patients/families can make contact with Bethany. It might be an idea to send our Bethany newsletters to hospital chaplains on a regular basis.

7. Making contact with groups such as the travelling community, foreign nationals etc. finding ways to link in with these communities.