Project HELP is an initiative of WMU that identifies a critical issue and seeks to raise the level of awareness of that issue and provide practical approaches anyone can implement to open the door to meeting needs and sharing the gospel. The current Project HELP critical issue is Mental Health.
As Christians, we can uniquely respond to and support people experiencing mental health challenges. We can compassionately respond to their physical needs, encourage them to seek help for their mental and emotional needs, and share with them how to satisfy their spiritual needs through the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.
Through Project HELP: Mental Health, WMU is providing multiple avenues for churches to raise awareness of mental health as a critical issue in all of our lives and equip members to lead and champion mental health initiatives both in the church and in local communities.
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
The information shared here is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition. We encourage you to follow up with your healthcare provider and seek a mental health professional for individual consultation and care.
TRAINING/EQUIPPING OPPORTUNITIES
Below are opportunities provided by Tennessee WMU, national WMU, and association/church WMU groups to raise awareness and equip you to lead and champion mental health initiatives in your church and community.
Mental Health: The Church’s Response
Online Course from National WMU
Cost: $30
Take the online course Mental Health: The Church’s Response to discover more about mental health and ways to help those with mental health struggles. You will be equipped with ongoing access to resources for leading a conference about mental health such as a PowerPoint presentation, presentation notes, flyers, and posters.
You will have 30 days from the day you register to complete the course, and will receive a link that will never expire for access to teaching resources that are updated periodically.
INFO & REGISTERMental Health First Aid Training for Adults
Mental Health First Aid for Adults is an 8-hour training that teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.
Sponsored by Tennessee WMU
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: $10 for Lunch
Dates/Locations:
- Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the TBMB Church Support Center, Franklin
REGISTER
Sponsored by National WMU
Two-day online training, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm each day
Cost: $100
Dates:
- Tuesday & Wednesday, October 8-9, 2024
REGISTER
Mental Health & The Church Conference
- Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, First Baptist Church, Morristown
Sponsored by Nolachucky Association WMU
Breakout sessions, resource fair, and more to help you learn more about the challenges, opportunities, and resources available for mental health and how to mobilize the church for healing. Click here for more information.
RESOURCES
Websites – Here is a listing of some web sites offering mental health information, resources, free training courses, etc.*
- National WMU Project Help: Mental Health wmu.com/mentalhealth
- Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.html
- Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network https://tspn.org/
- The National Alliance on Mental Health https://nami.org/Home
- The National Council for Wellbeing https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/
- Multiplying Hope multiplyinghope.org
*Please be aware that all of the opinions, beliefs, and statements on these resource websites do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of TBMB.
VIDEOS
Trauma, Depression, Spiritual and Sexual Abuse
A Tennessee Golden Hour podcast with Matt Tullos, Beth Moore, and Joana Perez, a Licensed Counselor Specializing in trauma.
Teens, Social Media, and the Family Dance
A Tennessee Golden Hour podcast with Matt Tullos, Beth Moore, and Joana Pere discussing family dynamics, social media and its influence on teens, as well as other mental health topics.
READING
Your Pain is Changing You
Copyright(c) 2014 by David Crosby. Published by New Hope Publishers, an imprint of Iron Stream Media.Used with permission.