News from: Reading Faith Forum

by Jan Hearn (Multi-fora coordinator)

9 August 2010

Delegates discussed issues such as: stigma about mental illness and the fact that men are frequently less forthcoming about their problems; CIRDIC would benefit from a greater input and advice from community mental health services; opportunities for training, free counseling and partnership work for carers; workplace bullying, making mistakes at work and over-work leading to mental illness, talking to someone as being the first step and support groups that are a good sounding board for people with mental health issues; work places and schools identifying mental health issues and encouraging students and workers to seek help early; faith groups joining together to encourage mental health organisations to allow both patients and staff to share the part of them that is spiritual.

The ‘Hearing Stories’ event followed on from the ‘Hearing Voices’ Conference in July 2009 which was a landmark for NHS professionals working with faith communities. Organisations taking part in ‘Hearing Stories’ July 2010 included Churches in Reading Drop in Centre (CIRDIC), The Princes Royal Trust Carers Service, The WELL Centre, CommuniCare and Envision Counselling.

Derek Mitchell, manager of the Community Mental Health Team launched the 'Information & Advice Resource' booklet - A resource for faith leaders and carers on mental health matters. Download a copy of this Handbook through the link below.

Email Jan Hearn (jan@strongertogether.org.uk) for a copy. All faith communities and organisations have been sent copies.

Download a copy of the Resource Handbook and Hearing Stories report from the Faith Forum website: www.readingfaithforum.com/eventsandmeetings.aspx

Learn more at:

Reading Faith Forum

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