St Mary’s InSpiRe Centre to Host Mental Health Conference

The Centre for Initiatives in Spirituality and Reconciliation (InSpiRe) at St Mary’s University, Twickenham will host a conference exploring challenges in mental health ministry on Saturday 26th April. The Contemporary Challenges in Mental Health Ministry conference is part of the drive to raise awareness of mental health issues and to address issues of stigma and discrimination. The conference will be introduced by Bishop Moth, Chair of the Board of Governors at St Mary’s and Chair of The Catholic Bishops’ Conference Mental Health Project. InSpiRe Director and Programme Director for St Mary’s MA in Theology Course Dr Peter Tyler will deliver a speech on spirituality and mental health, followed reflective practice sessions delivered by healthcare practitioners working in the field. Programme Director of St Mary’s Healthcare Chaplaincy Foundation Programme Pia Matthews said, “The initiative ‘No health without mental health’ is a clear reminder that mental health concerns everyone. “In keeping with the commitment to serve human flourishing in all its aspects and to be open to the wider community, we hope to establish a hub from which we can offer further conferences, study days and short courses. In this way St Mary's will continue to be leaven in the world by carrying out its mission in the much neglected area of mental health.” About the forthcoming conference Bishop Richard Moth said, “I welcome this initiative and collaboration between St Mary's University and the Bishops' Conference Mental Health Project and I look forward to taking part in this event. I am confident that this Conference will develop the response of the University and the Church in England and Wales to the many people within our society who live with mental health difficulties.” The day will run from 10am to 4pm and will cost £25 including a buffet lunch.

 For more information please contact Steph Modak at inspire@stmarys.ac.uk.