In 2020, I was delighted to partner with Theologian Dr Andrew Cunning (then Director of Left Side Up) and together we spent 6 months researching Faith and Mental Health in NI.
From that we published the Faith and Mental Health “Call to Action”.
You can downloads that here: https://www.haveyouseenthatgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Faith-and-Mental-Health-Call-to-Action-July-2021.pdf
The research and report has the support both of the Health Minister for NI, Robin Swann MLA and the Mental Health Champion for NI, Siobhan O’Neil. Here’s what they both had to say about it:
Health Minister, Robin Swann:
“Faith is fundamental to so many of us. Faith groups can be hugely influential at achieving positive mental health outcomes within our communities. And our individual faith can help us in our mental health recovery. The publication of the ‘Call to Action’ provides and opportunity for churches and faith communities to build upon their important role with the community and support those impacted by mental ill-health.”
Siobhan O’Neil, Mental Health Champion NI:
“A trauma informed lens changes what you see and that what I think this ‘Call to Action’ really is a trauma informed approach to mental health, in faith communities – changing how we see people and how we behave with people based on an understanding of their experiences.”