How are churches uniquely positioned to support the mental health of both their congregations and wider community?

Churches often come across people who are underserved. People who are dealing with some of the most difficult challenges such as homelessness or substance misuse for example. And with many of these issues there’s an intersection of mental health challenges.

As a result of the work that we do, welcoming all types of people and building relationships with those in our local community, churches are uniquely placed to support the wellbeing of our congregations and communities.

What specific challenges does the Black community face when experiencing problems with their mental health?

Mental health challenges within the Black community can be misunderstood - it can be seen as a weakness, or something to be ashamed of.  But there are also societal issues which have a profound effect on the mental wellbeing of Black people. There are expectations around strength and resilience in the Black community. You hear statements like the “strong Black man” or the “strong Black woman”. These narratives form barriers that prevent people from being vulnerable, authentic, and open about their mental health challenges.

Those who do ask for help may experience discrimination and racism within mainstream mental health services. Amidst a backdrop of historical abuse of Black patients, misdiagnoses rooted in cultural misunderstandings, and the disproportionate sectioning of Black people under the Mental Health Act, there is deep mistrust toward the mental health sector. Additionally, because representation is lacking, with very few counsellors of Black heritage in the UK and Ireland, many people don’t have a safe space to talk to someone who looks like them.

Why is it important for churches to take a culturally sensitive approach when responding to mental health issues?

It's important for churches to understand cultural nuances, as doing so helps build trust and fosters a safe environment. In my experience leading a church, I've seen that when churches acknowledge and respect people's cultural identities and lived experiences, individuals feel more seen and safe; making them more likely to open up and embrace a healing journey.

Cultural sensitivity also enables churches to address systemic and historical issues that impact mental health. Without cultural awareness, churches risk unintentionally reinforcing the very systems that alienate people and contribute to mental health struggles.

What might a culturally sensitive approach look like?

I think it's about respecting and understanding that you might not know what you don’t know. It’s about appreciating and recognising that, for a Black individual, racism, discrimination, and historical trauma may have deeply impacted their mental health, rather than dismissing those experiences simply because you don’t understand them.

It’s important to acknowledge these systemic issues and to listen carefully, deeply, and respectfully. Without judgment and without rushing to offer quick fixes. There also needs to be an understanding that some cultural nuances may be beyond your lived experience, and that’s okay. One of the most meaningful things you can do, aside from providing a safe space, is to educate yourself. Taking the initiative to learn, to read more, to research which organisations are best equipped to support these individuals, and then putting that knowledge into practice, shows genuine care, respect, and a desire to understand.

Can you tell us about the project? How did you support church leaders and teams to develop their understandings of mental health, faith, and how these present in the Black community?

We engaged around 50 churches across London and the Southeast in a training course with a two-stage approach. First, we delivered official ‘Mental Health First Aid’ training to help participants recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and understand the appropriate steps to take when supporting someone in distress.

Then, alongside a team of Black Christian counsellors from a range of denominations and backgrounds, we designed and delivered a bespoke course that explored the intersection of faith, spirituality, and the cultural nuances involved in supporting the community with mental health challenges.