St. John's Anglican Church at Camden has this week launched the latest parish partnership initiative in conjunction with ANGLICARE Sydney.
Helping the people of Camden weather times of relationship stress and sorrow is a new counselling service based at St John's which has been made possible through the kindness of an anonymous benefactor. ANGLICARE Sydney and St John's are working together to deliver the service.
"One of the unique and vibrant aspects of Camden is it is full of young families, says ANGLICARE CEO, Peter Kell.
"It's a busy and often stressful time of life, with couples working long hours and commuting long distances to keep the mortgage going and meet their children's needs."
Between 2001 and 2019, the number of families in Camden will have increased by 161 per cent, compared with a Sydney statistical division of 38 per cent.
While the relationships between couple are under significant pressure, single parent families with children under 15 years are on the increase with the 2006 census revealing this was the makeup of more than 10 per cent of households in the Camden area.
"We and St. Johns felt it was important to offer support to people who's relationships may be under pressure; or who may be struggling alone to raise and relate to their children," says Peter Kell.
Tony Galea, Minister of St Johns, said he was enjoying working alongside ANGLICARE counsellors Ellen Pickering and Matthew Broadbridge. (pictured) 
"Ellen has spoken to our Women's congregation on a Thursday night and it's good to be able to offer this service to our members, but it's not just for Christians,' he said.
"It's here for the Camden community."