"Can you have this done by Synod?"
The question is asked with no expectation of a positive answer, but why not ask?
"Sure!" is the confident reply.
We look at each other over the teleconference hook up with smiles on our faces. Our mental health has improved already! Synod is an excellent opportunity to present,explain and promote, the new Congregational Mental Health Toolkit to the wider church.
Mental Health is a big issue in rural NSW and there are less resources west of the mountains to deal with it. Julie is sometimes called to deal with the aftermath of a suicide in a rural town. Suicide is a devastating thing for all concerned and can be from all walks of life. But even before it gets to that stage the sadness, fear, withdrawal or irritability of someone suffering poor mental health is difficult to live with, not only for them, but for their families and friends. People often want to help but don't know how and worry about doing or saying the wrong thing.
This Mental Health Toolkit aims to equip congregations and then the wider community on appropriate ways to be friends with and show love to those with mental illnesses. It will be a general package talking about some if the issues around mental illness and practical ways of caring.
The package will include a theological statement about God's love for all people, particularly those poor in spirit, resources and information on mental health awareness and mental health first aid, as well as providing a lead in to further training in the area.
Not only the Chaplains but the RMU (Rural Ministry Unit) have identified mental illness as one of the major issues in rural areas. This Toolkit will be delivered and trialed through the Presbytery structure to congregations who want to be involved. More will be revealed at Synod.
The question is asked with no expectation of a positive answer, but why not ask?
"Sure!" is the confident reply.
We look at each other over the teleconference hook up with smiles on our faces. Our mental health has improved already! Synod is an excellent opportunity to present,explain and promote, the new Congregational Mental Health Toolkit to the wider church.
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| Julie in rural gear at the 2012 Synod. |
This Mental Health Toolkit aims to equip congregations and then the wider community on appropriate ways to be friends with and show love to those with mental illnesses. It will be a general package talking about some if the issues around mental illness and practical ways of caring.
The package will include a theological statement about God's love for all people, particularly those poor in spirit, resources and information on mental health awareness and mental health first aid, as well as providing a lead in to further training in the area.
Not only the Chaplains but the RMU (Rural Ministry Unit) have identified mental illness as one of the major issues in rural areas. This Toolkit will be delivered and trialed through the Presbytery structure to congregations who want to be involved. More will be revealed at Synod.
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