A Conversation for Those Standing at the
Intersection of Faith and Mental Health |
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Partnership is the Pathway to Breakthrough |
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I recently spoke with a group interested in seeing more buy-in around the marriage of faith and mental health. Those who were present included members of faith communities, social service professionals and people with a lived experience of mental illness. They all had a passion for the topic and positions of influence in their networks. Yet there was one thing they all felt was missing: a clear pathway to breakthrough. Each in their own way wanted to see their respective congregation, organization and region bring together faith and mental health in a manner that would provide truly holistic support. And yet each person felt something was absent that could help them get there. As the conversation continued, it was evident that an essential missing ingredient was partnership. Faith community members needed a partner who could speak to their congregations about the value of mental health support, while remaining rooted in faith. Conversely, social service professionals needed a partner who could speak to their organizations about the spiritual dimension of people, but from a place of professional competence. If these very motivated people are to leverage their influence in a way that brings breakthrough, partnership will be the path to get there. So, who are you looking to persuade about the importance of combining faith and mental health? Your faith community? Your workplace? Your family? Whoever you’re seeking to influence, partnership must be a priority. Of course, some of us are fully aware we need partners but simply aren’t sure where to find them. While we at Intersect would love to be one of those partners, there may be additional collaborators all around you. Who are the congregants in your faith community who already work in the mental health field? Who are the colleagues in your social service agency who also happen to be people of faith? People who live in both worlds often have a unique ability to show others how faith and mental health fit together. Below are some additional resources that can help you see breakthroughs where you’ve only found roadblocks.
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David Eckert, Director of Intersect |
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Recommended Resources
Below are resources for the purpose of wellness, education, and service. |
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Faith Partners for Housing Justice in Montgomery County Join tomorrow for this event! When: Friday, January 26th, 2:00pm
Where: Online via Zoom Login: 380 938 2679 PW: Gnam19401 |
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Supporting Those with Mental Health Struggles
This workshop is designed to give parish leaders, as well as family members and friends, practical tools to help you support those who experience mental health struggles. Workshop topics include: What do we mean by mental health struggles? How to walk alongside someone in a way that is sustainable and resourceful
How to create space where people can share their struggles while remaining within the boundaries of our competence Question-Persuade-Refer Suicide Prevention Training When: Saturday, February 3rd, 9:15am - 2:30pm
Where: St. Cecilia Parish Auditorium 535 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111 |
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Faith and Mental Health Summit
Our Faith and Mental Health Summit, in collaboration with the Upper Perkiomen Community Church, is now scheduled for Saturday, February 24th, 2024. Topics of discussion will include: -
Managing the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
- The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health
- The Challenges and Opportunities of Finding Community Resources
- Pastors and Their Mental Health
- Supporting Children and Youth with Mental Health Struggles
When: Saturday, February 24th, 8:00am - 12:00pm Where: Upper Perkiomen Community Church
258 Main Street, East Greenville, PA 18041 |
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| Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission by Amy Simpson
This resource helps those wishing to show their congregations both the impact of ignoring mental illness as well as the opportunity when faith communities get it right. |
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Intersect Donation Page
Intersect now has their own donation page on the Access Services website. Any donations can be designated to specific aspects of Intersect. Funds will be used to: -
Offer consultation to ministry leaders and mental health professionals
- Empower faith communities and mental health providers with trainings on faith and mental health
- Provide spiritual support and collaboration between faith communities and human service providers
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Faith-Based Care Teams and Leaders - Abington Area Join for an inspiring multi-faith event at Abington Presbyterian Church! This in-person gathering is a unique opportunity for faith-based care teams and leaders to come together and share their experiences, knowledge, and best practices.
When: Wednesday, March 13th, 9:00am - 2:30pm Where: Abington Presbyterian Church 1082 Old York Road Abington, PA 19001 |
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Looking for a way to help those in your community? |
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| Intersect: Community Needs Facebook Group
This Facebook group functions as a care portal for faith communities who are looking to meet local needs in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. We will post needs specific to the individuals supported by Access Services. These may include needs for relational support, material resources, and/or monetary donations. We encourage you to share this page with your family and friends. While we started this page to provide concrete service opportunities to local faith communities, we encourage any community members who are interested in giving back to join!
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1. Who are you looking to influence around the importance of bringing faith and mental health together?
2. Who do you know that could help you speak to your faith community about the benefits of mental health support? 3. Who do you know that could help you speak to your organization about the benefits of faith/spirituality? |
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Do you have something to contribute or a question to ask? |
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| Intersect is brought to you by: |
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