We’re excited to announce that Power to Change (P2C) has entered into a formal partnership with Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries!
The need to address mental health has become very clear since the start of the pandemic, particularly for students. “This is something we cannot ignore. All universities are in a crisis point with mental health. We need to be equipped — students are struggling,” says Esther Wong, P2C-Students Director of Staff Development.
To respond to this great need, 125 P2C-S staff participated in a free, 8-week online training course from Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries this spring. The results have been life-changing and the catalyst for our new partnership.
Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries equips the Church to support mental health and wellbeing by providing resources that meaningfully engage the topics of faith and mental health. These resources, including their free online course, prepare communities of faith around the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support mental health, and promote mental wellbeing.
The course is designed to be run by small-group leaders in churches or organizations. “This course will induct a faith community into how to hold this subject in the context of their faith so that the Church can become a more loving place, a sanctuary for all people,” Sanctuary’s CEO Daniel Whitehead shares.
Our intention with the coming together of our two organizations is to inspire other P2C ministries to tap into this valuable resource to help meet this great need across Canada. Walking closely with Sanctuary will give us a greater opportunity to learn from their expertise, and in turn, minister more holistically.
“Because the mental health conversation today is so very vital, I consider the partnership between P2C and Sanctuary Mental Health to be particularly special,” says Rod Bergen, CEO and President of P2C. “I encourage you to take a closer look and hope that it will provide you with a framework of understanding surrounding mental health, and equip you so you too may begin that conversation.”
While the future of mental health needs are uncertain, especially post-pandemic, Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries are ready, nimble, and vital enough to be able to change and respond. We’re really excited to be able to journey together and provide an answer for these needs.
Click here to learn more about Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries and their online course.