Thanks for reading - this bit at least!
I've been transferred from EIP because I was there for 3yrs, the maximum length of time. They referred me to the CMHT and I've been assigned a fabulous case worker. However...
The first time I met her, she asked if I had 'faith'. This is an NHS service btw. I said, no, I'm not religious, but I believe in the universe and you get what you put in. (Karma, in other words.)
The second time I saw her, she recommended a church to me, said it would be helpful and told me the name of the Pastor. That I should go and see him and try to go to his services.
I haven't gone, but I do know the guy she's referred to, as that church runs the community pantry that anyone can go to. You pay, you get X amount of food and stuff.
I told her from our first meeting that I'm not religious and apologised for not believing there is a man in the sky, sitting on a cloud, watching what we do. Those words.
How do I handle things going forward? Any wise words? Obviously I'm not in the most calmest of places and she is an amazing woman, I really like her, but I don't want to be having the church thrown at me every time we have an appointment.
Also, I don't want to offend her. I'm so lucky to have someone assigned to me, I like her, but the religion thing is a bit heavy. I don't want to say, oi missus, that's not me, so shut up. I did day from day one that I'm not religious.
Any suggestions on how I can be kind yet steer her away from that topic? I don't want to ask for someone else because she is excellent in her job and I get on with her very well.