PB+ Resources

THEME 2: THERE IS NOTHING SO AWFUL THAT WE CAN'T TALK ABOUT IT WITH SOMEONE

Aim : to introduce the second theme of Protective Behaviours

Time : 20 - 30 minutes

Materials :

• Text of Theme 2
• Flip chart and markers or OHP with acetate and pens

Introduction:

Activity : Group Thought Showers
Prepare a sheet for each word, which needs to be written in large letters on the top: NOTHING ; AWFUL ; TALK ; TRUST.

N.B. This theme needs to be presented in a similar manner to the first theme, picking the words apart to make the statement real and relevant. The method is slightly different, but the aim the same.

Here are four key words for today's activity. I would like you to form four groups and in five minutes record on the sheet as many things as you can that the word suggests to you as a group.

When you are ready come back into the main group with your sheet.

Today we are examining the second theme of Protective Behaviours, which is this:

"There is nothing so awful that we can't talk about it with someone"

Let's look at the phrases in that statement:

There is nothing …

What did your group come up with in response to the word nothing? (Use the group's responses to draw out the meaning of this phrase that there is absolutely no thing.)

… so awful …

What words were associated with awful in your group? (The group's input can be used to emphasise the use of the word in the theme statement. Some groups are adding the phrase … or small … because experience has shown that there are those who feel that their problems are insignificant compared to others and so do not seek help early enough. It could be seen as a form of protective interrupting. Whether it is included in the statement is up to the individual leader.)

… that we can't talk about it …

Can the other group share with us their thoughts on the word talk?
(Again, weave the group's response into the exploration of the second theme.)

Now the fourth group had the word trust. Let's hear what that word suggested to you?

Someone might spot that the word trust does not appear in the statement. If not, introduce the apparent disparity and explore the relationship between the last part of the statement …with someone … and the word trust.

Optional follow up discussion:

• What kind of person can you trust?
• What's so special about a person that you feel you can trust her or him?

Epilogue:
In most situations, the thought of talking to someone we trust has more appeal than talking to a stranger, but not always. Sometimes it is helpful to have a degree of anonymity, hence the popularity of services like Childline and The Samaritans. In a future session we will look at the range of people we can call upon when we need to talk about something that concerns us.

Possible adaptations or applications to the Church context:
Focus upon stories where people share their concerns before taking a major decision:

• Ruth and Naomi Ruth
• Samuel and Eli 1 Samuel 3
• David and Jonathan 1 Samuel 19 ...

 PB+ Documents

• Theological Reflection
• Aide Memoire

• Theme 1
• Theme 2
• Strategy 1
• Strategy 2
• Strategy 3
• Strategy 4
• Strategy 5
• Strategy 6
• Strategy 7
• Creating & Reviewing a Network
• Feelings are Feelings
• Unwritten Rules
• The Safety Continuum
• Finding Our Own Safe Place
• Rights and Responsibilities

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www.sm3a.org.uk