Organizing A Mental Health Team Pathways To Promise A National Mental Health Ministry Resource Developing the capacity of congregations to support recovery and wellness
Five Areas of Concern Children’s mental health Trauma Serious mental illness Substance use Issues of aging
HEALING
RECOVERY
Signs of Suffering
A LOCAL CONGREGATION MENTAL HEALTH TEAM
Five Guides Make a Team A children’s mental health guide A guide experienced with trauma, PTSD A guide knowledgeable about mental illness A guide familiar with drug and alcohol recovery A guide who understands the mental health issues of seniors
Mental Health Guide Description John Daley is one of our mental health guides at McKenzie River Community Church. John is familiar with issues faced by children and families. He can listen and suggest possible resources. John is helping educate us about children’s mental health concerns. Introducing our Mental Health Ministry Team John Daly – children Sgt. Ellie Wilson – trauma Betty Lee – mental illness Al Dent – alcohol & drugs Jo and Ed Meyer - seniors
The Role of a Guide
One Person Can Begin Offer to be a guide in your area of experience Talk with your pastoral staff or congregational leadership about where a mental health team fits in your faith community; be accountable Connect with local community resources Provide information, encourage conversation Do education Offer companionship
Invite Others to Join You
Meeting Suggestions Prayer Scripture Reflection Action
Mental Health Team Responsibilities Team members serve as contact people for individuals and families seeking help The team provides leadership for creating a caring congregation The mental health team helps train, organize and support companionship ministry
Mental Health Ministry Toolkit pathways2promise.org Pathways is a national organization which offers resource materials, program models, networking information and links to promote mental health ministry.
Creating Caring Congregations Do Education Make a Commitment to recovery and wellness Welcome individuals and families Provide Spiritual Support and Practical Service Advocate
September: Recovery Month
October: Mental Illness Awareness Week
May is Mental Health Month
Local Mental Health Providers Pastoral Counselors Children, Youth and Family Services School Based Services Community Mental Health Centers Drug and Alcohol Assessment and Treatment Private Therapists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists Hospitals Crisis and Emergency Services
Limits and Boundaries 1.Mental Health Teams share educational material and information about resources. 2.Mental Health Team members do not diagnose, treat, counsel or advise. 3. Mental Health Team members share the journey as companions.
Companionship Companionship is a response to suffering Companionship is a relationship supportive of recovery and wellness Companionship is a public relationship
Practices of Companionship Hospitality Neighboring Side by Side Listening Accompaniment
Companionship Care Teams A group of several companions Companioning one or more individuals Accountable to the Congregational Mental Health Team or other leadership Meeting regularly for prayer, study, sharing and spiritual discernment Providing each other mutual support
A Companioning Congregation
Neighborhood Clusters Mental Health Teams from neighboring congregations are encouraged to learn and serve together Congregations in a neighborhood or community are encouraged to share in supporting a local mental health ministry coordinator Congregations are invited to celebrate their mental ministry together with the community each year.
A Mental Health Training Cooperative Members: individuals; local congregations and other faith community organizations; representatives from community mental health providers; representatives from peer, family, education and advocacy groups; community allies Purpose: plan and offer a calendar of mental health education and resources for the faith community in a given region
Next Steps
Spirit of healing Move in us and among us Bring us to wholeness Join us in care