10 July 2007
Out of Solitary Places: calling on churches to serve those with mental health problems
Within every church there will be people who have mental
health problems or have experienced them in the past, as well as
people who are affected as family, friends or carers. Churches
strive to understand these pressures, but don't always know how to
support those affected by them.
A new leaflet is encouraging churches to be aware of the signs of
mental health problems and to provide care and support. Out of
Solitary Places uses case studies to highlight the ways in which
churches can make a real difference to those suffering from mental
health problems through care and friendship.
Revd. Michaela Youngson, Secretary for Pastoral Care and
Spirituality, says; "You don't need to be a doctor to recognize
that someone is struggling; there's so much that we can do to
provide practical help and encouragement and to promote good mental
health and wellbeing. Churches frequently have contact with people
facing crises or major life changes that can trigger mental health
problems, but often don't know how to respond to this need. This is
an issue for all of us and we need to challenge the stigma
associated with these problems."
Out of Solitary Places also highlights the need for churches to be
a welcoming, safe place for people of all backgrounds and to
establish links with local mental health services. It encourages
people to find out more about current issues in mental health
policy and funding and to campaign for positive change.
The leaflet gives links to web-based resources and support
organizations for people suffering from mental health problems and
those who support them. A new training resource from the Methodist
Church, Encircled in Care, aimed at those involved in pastoral care
in the church and community, will be available from September and
contains a module on mental health.