Opening Minds and Mental health awareness guides. Michele Hampson
Opening Minds Church Leaders Lived experience Professionals Carers
Opening Minds: three issues 1.Training faith leaders 2. How to get help in a crisis. Notts Healthcare NHS Trust support 3. Improve mental health awareness in congregations!
Awareness: combating prejudice & stigma Time to change survey 2011 2770 people 60% of people stigma that people face is as bad as, or worse than, the symptoms, nearly a third said that stigma has made them want to give up on life Our findings: “Pull yourself together” becomes You lack faith You should be better now as we prayed for you so… You have unconfessed sin in your life You need deliverance ministry!
Mental health awareness guides Role and responsibility Responsibility of local church Elected by Church Council and have clergy support Report to annually to Church Council Opening Minds – support, training
Mental health awareness guides: core values Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Support. People with mental health issues feel accepted and included. We are equally responsive to the needs of those with mental and physical health issues. Families and friends of those with mental ill health feel understood and find comfort. Mental wellbeing is promoted. Anyone with questions about mental health issues can be given help to find accurate information, support and guidance.
Mental health awareness guides: in practice Support of clergy Share MHAGs checklist with Church Council Devise action plan Annual review Actions: testimony, being commissioned/ introduced to church; encourage sermon on MH or intercessions; testimony (sheet); meetings – e.g. dementia friends training Provided with: badge and poster and notebook; 2 meetings a year; an email network
Mental health awareness guides: issues How to develop especially in small congregations – have 40 since 2014 Can a MHAG be the vicar? How relate to other teams in church – e.g. pastoral care team? Risk of being seen as the “expert in M.H.” gifted amateurs
Opening Minds: activities. Mental Health Awareness Sunday 2015 and again in 2016. MHAGs further information Michele.hampson@nottshc.nhs.uk http://southwell.anglican.org/mission-ministry/seeking-justice/mental-health/