Befriending - Another Way

Jo Moore was one of the first telephone befrienders with Another Way, Care for the Family’s network for families with children with additional needs. She explains why she chose to become a telephone befriender.

My daughter was born in 1992 with many disabilities and medical needs. The professionals thought she wouldn’t survive. My church was great, but they just didn’t know what to say – no-one had been in this position before. They couldn’t possibly understand the emotions, the fears and the thoughts I was facing. 

I wish I’d had something like Another Way back then, just to hear a voice say, ‘I know what you feel’; ‘don’t feel bad for feeling like that’; ‘I felt like that too’.

I thought I wouldn’t have time to be part of Another Way. But in fact now I’ve become a telephone befriender, I’m glad of the opportunity to stop thinking about my own problems and listen to someone else. I’m sometimes surprised how much it encourages me to listen to others, and to be able to bless them through talking to someone who understands their circumstances.

We all know that even if there are no answers, talking to someone who understands can really help. That’s why I decided to become a befriender. Often all I can do is listen, but parents tell me that listening can be more use than making suggestions!

We often try hard to fix things, but sometimes we can’t change our circumstances. And I believe that with our additional needs children you can’t really understand unless you have ‘walked in their shoes’. That’s why, for me, this telephone helpline is a real answer. I’m proud to be part of it.

Click here for more information about befrienders with Another Way, Care for the Family’s telephone network for families with children with additional needs.

Read tips on how to start a ministry to families of children with additional needs.

Last Updated 21 October 2008