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mm Uplét SUN,‘Ihursday,Oct.26,l978,page 2

Nature and ‘EXtent‘

. The sign of the Fish has been familiar to those in the Charlottetown area for , four years now. However, many are unaware of the nature and extent of its functions. The idea for it originated in England, and the first North American branch began in Springfield, Mass. Although the Fish is now found in many countries, there is no international organization; each branch operates independently. 'Ihe Fish got its start here in November, 1974, sponsored jointly by the Kirk of St.(James and St. Peter's Cathedral. Office space at the Kirk was donated, enabling the Fish to operate out of there for a little more than a year, until the location became known. (The unImovm location of the office is maintained to preserve the confidentiality of the service.) This, combined withthe fact that the service was 'outgrowing the office, prompted the move to a new location. The telephone line, open from 2:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. every day, is manned by volunteers who give three hours of their time every two weeks. 'Ihese volmteers are not expected to be counsellors or experts of any nature; rather, they are individuals who have a

willingness to help. This A

desire is all that is required, for the organization has an extensive filing system of all the services available in the Charlottetown

area. (Six volunteers work exclusively at keep— ing this file up to date.) In addition, a number of anonymous professional persons are available to the Fish, should consult- ation about how to handle a call be required. the Fish works as a referral agency in a large capacity. Many persons in need are unaware of what services are actually out there for them.

Also, many cf the calls are from people who just need someone to talk to. Even persms who are surrounded by family—and friends sometimes need an objective listener. Lone- liness calls constitute the vast majority.

Whatever the nature, all calls are held in

'Ihus ,

strictest confidence. ‘

The Fish also provides a "Daily Hello" service for older or disabled people (or even persons who live alone and just want the assurance of a daily safety check.) Upon registration with

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small budget, as it relies on volunteers: local service clubs pay for the two telephone lines (one for incoming 'calls, the other fer outgoings) , and another organization supplies heat and lights. A '

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this service, the person to be called arranges

the time of day he wishes to receive the call, and also designates an - emergency number. If he does not answer at the pre-arranged time and

has not notified the volunteer caller that he will be out, the emergency number is called; the friend or neighbour at that number is alerted to check and see that the person living alone is all right. In this way, help can be smmmed quickly if needed. /

The Fish has as'its objective "help" — in. whatever aspect they are able to supply it.‘ This motive is reflected in the symbolism of its ’ nanesz'the symbol for fish was used by early Christians to identify each. other, yet remain undetected by the Romans, who sought to persecute '~ - them. The organization is based on the words of Christ, "Whatever you do to the least of my

brothers, that you do unto .

m." The Fish operates on a

local printer donates his services for the staticnery, enrolment forms, etc. , that the Fish requires. All advertis— ing is given by the news media as a public service. ‘

The Fish will continue. as long as the need exists for it, and as long as there are volunteers willing to

PRAYER FOR THE‘SIGN OF THE FISH MOVEMENT

' Charlottetown.

help fulfill the need;

for example, the estab— lishment of a family . association here resulted - from needs that were " '

being expressed in calls: 7'

to the Fish. Another representatiVe of the organization endeavoured in the setting up‘ of a family court, and the' One-parent family .5 associaticn here resulted / from needs -- that were

being expressed in calls to the Fish. Another representative of the organization endeavoured in the setting up of a hostel.

There is need for more Fish volunteers in marlottetom.‘ Serving the community this way can be a learning egaerience - particularly for “psychology majors.

. (In fact, one psychology

course .at Dalhousie “ requires that students spend some time at a Halifax Helpline.) It

, has been found that

young people are good listeners, as they possess patience and x, mderétanding- ' . I 111056 interested telephme duty are .) trained. by emerienced . volunteers; these training sessions are held twice yearly. As the fall

, session will be under way

shortly, the organization would greatly‘ appreciate hearing from‘ any students who would like to help others (in any capacity.) Phone 894—3474, or write to P.O,‘.>Box 1712,

by Valerie Moore

In formation from

Mrs . Connie MacMillaI

[I .

O'LORD JESUS CHRIST, SON OF GOD, SAVIOUR OF MANKINB,

AS YOU DID CALL YOUR FIRST OISCIPLES TO FISH

FOR MEN, GIVE us GRACE To LAUNCH OUT

INTO THE DEEP WATERS OF HUMAN NEED AND ’ j

‘V To LET DOWN THE SAVING NETS

I OF COMPASSION AND CONCERN. \

sEND us OUT IN YOUR NAME WITH HELPING HAND

AND HEALING wean, AND ENABLE _us BY THE POWER . x

OF YOUR LOVE TO SERVE OUR FELLOW MAN.

HEAR US, JESUS, MASTER, CHRIST ETERNAL,

WHOM WE WORSHIP WITH THE FATHER AND

_ THE HOLY SPIRIT,‘70NE GOO FOREVER. AMEN. This was written ‘by Archdeacon Davies—a clergyman who used to be at St.Peter's Cathedral,Charlottetown.

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