Mental health training opportunities for churches
Members of the clergy and those who work in churches in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take up training opportunities in faith and mental health and pastoral support.
The partnership group Flourish! is hosting training sessions to promote mental and emotional wellbeing which will take place in November and January.
Flourish! is a partnership between Lighthouse Ireland, the Churches’ Community Work Alliance (Northern Ireland) and clergy from across the Christian churches in Northern Ireland.
The initiative has the support of the leaders of the four largest churches in Ireland and has been developed in partnership with and supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA).
“The training module ‘Faith and Mental Health and Pastoral Support’ is open to clergy, church youth workers, church lay readers, lay pastoral workers and other church staff representatives,” said Madeline Heaney, Regional Lead for Mental Health Promotion with the PHA.
“People working in religious roles often see the impact of poor mental health first-hand, so are in an excellent position to be able to provide assistance and support. This training will help give them the skills to be able to do this more effectively, so we would encourage churches across Northern Ireland to get involved.”
Jo Murphy, Manager of Lighthouse Ireland, explained what the module will include.
“The aim of the faith-based module is to explore the relationship between theological understandings of suicide and mental health and how this translates into pastoral action,” said Jo.
“Topics covered include examining the effect of suicide and mental health issues on bereaved families and friends, discussing the importance of compassion in working on mental health issues and being able to signpost to services for those who need support.”
Participants will also be given guidance on issues such as conducting a funeral service after a suicide and promoting emotional and mental wellbeing throughout the year during services.
Reverend Mervyn Ewing from the Methodist Church in Ireland said:
“This module will give clergy and those who work in churches a better understanding of how mental health issues and suicide can impact on their congregations. It will also give participants greater confidence and understanding of the sensitive and appropriate approach to providing pastoral support.”
The sessions will be held on 27 November and 28 January from 9.30am-5pm and will be held at Clotworthy House in Antrim.
To register for the November event go to: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flourish-faith-mental-health-pastoral-support-module-nov-2015-tickets-18632398004?aff=es2
To register for the January event go to: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/flourish-faith-mental-health-pastoral-support-module-jan-2016-tickets-18632521373?aff=es2
Interest can also be registered by contacting Lighthouse on (028) 9075 5070 or reception@lighthouseireland.org
Places are limited to 25 per workshop. A waiting list will be compiled if required and more programmes will be organised.
For further information on Flourish visit Website: www.wewillflourish.com