This week I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in three distinct projects/events that link the world of Faith Communities with the world of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
I’ve been planning a seminar for the Mental Health and Christianity Conference, being held in Crookes (Sheffield) on 14th May. I was really pleased to see the Church stepping up in this area and considering ways to learn and respond to the Mental Health crisis and I heartily recommend this.
I’ve then been getting organised with our involvement in the Pioneer Practice tour, coming to Sheffield in June. Faith-based entrepreneurs and thinkers - Jonny Baker and Gavin Mart will be working with us to organise an afternoon workshop at St Marks Broomhill on 28th June. This event looks to be focused on pioneering new initiatives and dreaming new possibilities. It’ll be an afternoon of stories, sharing and music aiming to inspire you in your pioneering and social enterprise and to encourage others too. These kind of conversations are where Space to Breathe began and we’re thrilled to be involved. Tickets are via the link below.
But the project I wanted to share today most of all, is our partnership with Together in Sussex (TiS.). This collaborative network from the Anglican Church is looking to commission 25 people to Mental Health and Wellbeing Advocates in their local churches and communities.
This kind of project is a wonderful idea to us, because it helps faith communities become more mental health aware and more accessible and safe for people with mental health challenges.
The idea is simple … We will train individuals in Mental Health Awareness and then give them regular tools and support – for their own wellbeing and in order to gain skills in supporting others. A Mental Health Advocate isn’t expected to address every mental health issues themselves. Instead with a listening ear, a supportive attitude and with the knowledge to signpost to further support and help – they can be someone able to respond.
These individuals can also be a voice for mental health awareness in their congregations. They can champion issues of mental health and make sure that services, groups and all that churches do in their area can have people’s mental health needs in mind.
This is a pilot scheme in Sussex and you can find out more via the Together in Sussex website below. If you’re in Sussex and part of a church, why not apply.
However, I’m also intrigued to know what other Faith Communities might be able to learn and respond in this way? What would a Mental Health and Wellbeing Advocate look like in Churches, Mosques, Synagogues, Temples and Gurdwara’s across the country? That conversation really excites me.
If that’s something that interests you too why not post a comment below or on our social media. We’d love to get a conversation started.