Curate Training - Year 2

Advanced Pastoral Care: Mental Health First Aid -  Bouverie Court NN4 7YD

In going about our daily lives and particularly when exercising Christian ministry, we will all meet people who are experiencing poor mental health. In the same way that we all have physical health, so we all have mental health. The World Health Organisation define mental health as “… a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” The priestly ministry offers particular opportunities to offer hope by helping people recognise what is happening in their lives and helping them take positive steps so that they can realise their full potential; St Irenaeus expressed the essence of Christianity, as “the glory of God is a human being fully alive.”

The manual for the Adult Mental Health Aware Course states that it is “…. an awareness course intended to introduce mental health to the general public.”

The aim of the course is to enable delegates to increase their knowledge in:

• Mental health and mental health issues

• Factors affecting mental health

• Stigma and its impact upon recovery

• Beginning a conversation with someone about their mental health

• Looking after your own mental health.

Kevin Fear who is an ordained minister in secular employment will lead the course. For over 40 years, Kevin has been a chartered civil engineer and a member of the chartered Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. He is founder member of Building Mental Health, an organisation that offers free mental health training material and advice to small, medium and large construction companies. The course duration is approximately 4 hours.

For further information and with any questions, please contact: bishop.brixworth@peterborough-diocese.org.uk