If you are interested in the impact of Faith on Mental Health, a one day conference in Birmingham on 17th September offers chance to learn share and network. For details of speakers see the full programme below.
God, Mental Health and Wellbeing
There is no health without mental health. One in four[1]of us will experience a major mental health problem at some time in our lives and people of faith are not immune. Depression costs European business’ £77 Billion[2]as well as diminishing the quality of life of those affected. Christian faith provides resources and resilience for coping with mental illness and many church activities enhance people’s wellbeing.
In this conference we will explore the links and overlaps between faith, mental health and wellbeing. The conference speakers come from a Christian worldview, but we welcome those of all faiths and none to enrich our dialogue.
We have confirmed two exciting keynote speakers.
June Boyce Tillman is based at the University of Winchester where she heads up the Centre for Arts as Well-being. June is a published author and expert on Hildegard of Bingen, women’s spirituality and musical healing.
Chris Cook leads the Project for Spirituality, Theology & Health at Durham University. Chris has broad experience as a Professor of psychiatry, past chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Spirituality Special Interest Group, and Anglican Priest and has several books to his credit on prayer, spiritual disciplines and on spirituality, theology and mental health.
There will be space for you to network with others working and serving in similar fields, and there will be the opportunity for you to present your research and praxis as a poster, or for larger groups to book a stall in the market place.
We look forward to welcoming you to the conference on 17th September.
Revd. Dr Alison J Gray
For the Whole Person Health Network conference organising committee.
Draft Programme – Keep checking for updates
| 08.00 | Registration of stallholders |
| 09.00 | Registration of delegates and refreshments |
| 09.30 | Welcome |
| 09.40 | Keynote address “Constructions of Mental Health and the Creative Spirit”Professor June Boyce -Tillman OBE Professor of Applied Music and Convenor of the Centre for the Arts as Well-being, University of Winchester |
| 10.30 | Praxis “Staying in touch, listening to people with dementia.” Revd. Wes Sutton Director Acorn Christian Healing Foundation |
| 11.00 | Refreshments and Posters |
| 11.30 | Workshops (repeated after lunch) |
| 12.20 | Lunch |
| 13.15 | Workshops |
| 14.15 | Praxis
1. Introducing the Edward Cadbury centre for the public understanding of Religion, health stream 2. Centre for Health and Pastoral care |
| 15.15 | Refreshments and Posters |
| 15.40 | Mental Health and discipleship
Revd. Prof Chris Cook |
| 16.30 | Closing summary
Revd. Stanley Baxter |
Programme subject to change.