Church House has just released tickets to an in-person conference that will take place in the days following World Mental Health Day. 

The event, on Thursday 14 October, will be an opportunity for people to step back and reflect on the mental health challenges we face at the end of 2021.

Head of Counselling Services and member of the diocesan Mental Health Forum, the Revd Peter Mackriell, says: "We have been living through extraordinary times which will have traumatised some and created challenges for many people’s mental health. Step back with us for a day of reflection and discussion as we mark World Mental Health Day with a conference arranged by the Church House Mental Health Forum."

Keynote speaker, the Revd Dr Carla A. Grosch-Miller, is a practical theologian working in the field of congregational trauma. She is the author of Trauma and Pastoral Care (Canterbury Press, 2021) and a contributor and co-editor of Tragedies and Christian Congregations: The Practical Theology of Trauma (Routledge, 2019), as well as a number of poetry books. 

From a parish perspective, our other keynote speaker is the Revd Lesley Currie, Associate Minister at All Saints, Marple and Rural Dean for Chadkirk Deanery. As part of her church ministry, she has developed a passion for supporting people struggling with mental health and well-being which has become even more significant through the pandemic. 

Workshops led by our keynote speakers and other local leaders will help those attending engage in further discussion.

The conference will take place at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Handbridge. With just 80 tickets available, early booking is recommended. 

Register here. 

More from Church House on wellbeing

Clergy support groups Another reflective practice group is forming to support clergy in their ministries, using a well-established model that enables clergy to reflect upon life and ministry, in an atmosphere of trust. Find out more.