Press Releases17 Nov 21

MindMattersCOI: our next steps

Champions: The next phase of the project will focus on improving mental health literacy (defined below) and Bishop Pat Storey has put a call out to all clergy and lay members of the Church of Ireland seeking mental health champions.  Is this something you might consider doing yourself? Is this something you could share with your congregations, friends and other Church of Ireland members? Depending on your time, this role can range from encouraging positive conversations about mental health to applying for funding for local mental health initiatives to creating links with mental health organisations in your Diocese.  There will also be a wide variety of training on offer.

For more information please visit the MindMattersCOI website at https://mindmatters.ireland.anglican.org. Here you can register to sign up and attend an introductory conversation on the project and the role of a champion. No further commitment is required at this stage.

Some initial project findings:

• The Church of Ireland has an important role in promoting positive mental health

• Bishops can provide the strong leadership required to effect positive and lasting change in relation to mental health attitudes and awareness

• Covid–19 had had a significant impact on people’s mental health

• Family, friends and other connections are key contributors to positive mental health

• Mental health still carries a significant level of stigma

• A significant number of clergy feel that the Church currently does not provide sufficient support for their mental health

• Connections matter in seeking support and having good mental health

Contact the Project Team:

If you have any questions, email the team at mhp@rcbcoi.org or visit the project website at: https://mindmatters.ireland.anglican.org

The project team is chaired by Bishop Pat Storey and the membership includes Rebekah Fozzard, Eddie Hallissey, Robert Dunne, Margaret Yarr and Christine Cody, all from the Representative Church Body.