Resources: The Mind and Soul Foundation

“For the last 15 years, the Foundation has grown into the worlds largest online Christian mental health resource, with over 1000 articles, 200 audio podcast episodes and 100 youtube videos covering a wide range of topics. The Mind and Soul Directors have spoken at national and regional events and on related media as well as supporting churches and networks to put on their own events and programmes locally. 

The three-fold aims have been to equip people with the right skills and attitudes, to educate about helpful and accurate psychological and theological approaches, and to encourage both those who struggle with their own mental health and those passionate about this area. Dedicated conferences have been run, attracting over 1000 attendees to some. A focussed Access Pack was developed in 2020 for churches wishing to raise the topic – www.mentalhealthaccesspack.org.

15 years ago, mental health was a little-discussed topic in the UK church, with significant stigma and misunderstanding especially around psychosis and suicide. It was often delegated to pastoral workers or a local counsellor or, at times, overspiritualised. This is no longer the case and many seminars are found at conferences on this topic as well as articles in leading Christian magazines and websites. There are also now a good number of other organisations working in the ‘Christian mental health’ space.

From 2024 onwards, the Foundation will be pivoting to focus on the mental health of church and ministry leaders. The website will be redeveloped but will remain at the same web address and an archive of the extensive material described above will be kept including the Access Pack.

The new three-fold aim will be to restore leaders who are struggling with their mental health, to reframe leadership in ways that are healthy and sustainable and, as a result, to release mission that would not otherwise happen. Our vision is of church leaders who can do all that God intends them to in a way that encourages good emotional health among those they lead as well. To be kept up to date, please follow us on social media @mindandsouluk or signup for updates on our website.”