Learning Objectives

The aim of the faith-based modules is to explore the relationship between theological understandings of suicide and mental health and how this translates into pastoral action.

Training Programme

The training will comprise of power-point presentations, small group and large group discussions and feedback, hand-outs and notes.

Module 1: Faith and Mental Health

Participants Will:
⦁ Identify and consider their church’s theological understanding and approach to suicide, mental health and pastoral support.
⦁ Consider and discuss the biblical accounts of suicide in the Old and New Testaments.
⦁ Examine and discuss the Christian Church’s historical response to suicide.
⦁ Identify and examine the effect of suicide and mental health issues on bereaved families and friends.
⦁ Identify and discuss “What would Jesus say and do?”
⦁ Examine and discuss the importance of compassion in working with mental health issues.
⦁ Examine and discuss how this translates into the role of the churches.

Module 2: Pastoral Care

Participants Will:
⦁ Review and summarise the learning from Module 1.
⦁ Have a greater confidence and understanding of the sensitive and appropriate approaches to providing pastoral support.
⦁ Apply this understanding in considering and discussing the pastoral needs of the bereaved.
⦁ Examine and discuss the importance of compassion in working with mental health issues.
⦁ Examine and discuss the importance of self-compassion through self-care in working with mental health issues.
⦁ Examine and discuss the importance of emotional health for all of us.