Back in April 2025 we were sharply aware of the urgent need for a non-temporary clerk (or clerks), together with increased capacity to contribute to several key Steering Group roles. But in October 2025 no clerk, and very little much-needed help, had come forward; and the temporary clerk has to stand down on 01.01.2026. So the Quaker Voices on Mental Health Steering Group has discerned that from January 1st 2026 we need to put in place an organised ‘Pause’. Here is the minute from the Community Day held on 08.11.2025:
We have heard about the need within Quaker Voices on Mental Health for connection, cohesion, capacity and simplicity; both inner (within ourselves), and outer with Local and Area Meetings, Britain Yearly Meeting, other Quaker Recognised Bodies, and beyond.
We recognise the achievements of Quaker Voices on Mental Health. We see ourselves at a point of transition. We have decided on our ‘Pause’, seeing this as an opportunity to use our Quaker stillness to discern.
Happily the self-running Special Interest Groups (SIGs) will continue as usual; and ‘Welcome the Month’ will carry on at least until its review in March. Our temporary clerk will continue to field all queries coming via the clerk’s email address (clerk@quakervoicesonmh.org.uk), to let people know what is happening; and we will keep this website updated (www.quakervoicesonmh,org.uk).
For the time being, other pages on this website reflect the ‘Pause’.
Perhaps during the ‘Pause’ QVoMH will find a worthwhile and sustainable way to transition into the future. Or perhaps it will have run its course – much has been achieved, but will the time have come to lay it down?