Making our churches centres of spiritual and mental wellbeing

During 2020 the lockdown, and subsequent restrictions on meeting up, have made both of these two areas of need worse.

But we know that the church across London is responding with a ministry of hope. Offering connectedness, support, spaces to talk and pray and other practical ministries, this is an area where our parishes are making a real difference.

81% of parishes across the Diocese have some activity or programme to tackle isolation and loneliness; many parishes are responding to the long term and short term mental health issues in our congregations and communities through practical outreach projects.

This workshop can be watched back here

Resources from this workshop are below

Outline of this session:

• Reflection on what those who live with dementia and carers have faced in the last year, and the impact this has had;

• Discussion on what the wider church community can do to ensure that those living with dementia and carers continue to be included in church family life right now;

• Sharing specific resources to support those living with dementia and carers, both within our church families and in the community, in terms of outreach work, and being in touch to address loneliness and isolation.

This workshop was aimed at church leaders, pastoral teams, and anyone who is interested in supporting those living with dementia and carers within a church context and beyond.

For more on Charlotte’s work: www.storychaplain.com

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