Church Calls for Mental Health Ministries in Every Parish at Kerala Conference

The Kerala Regional Mental Health Conference was held from May 8 to May 9. Clergy and religious men participated in this conference for mental health outreach. This conference was organised by the Catholic Mental Health Ministry, Kerala Region, in collaboration with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Office for Health Care and Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council Regional Health Commission.

 Due to growing issues of mental health across communities, the Catholic Church highlighted the need for the establishment of Mental Health Ministries in every parish and church-run institution. The aim is to provide compassionate care and support to the needy.

Insights Into Two-Day Conference

• In the two-day conference, expert sessions, discussions and spiritual programmes were organised. The participants emphasised the need to strengthen parish-level mental health ministries through sustainable and inclusive models.
• The conference also suggested launching a community-based mental health initiative with a specific focus on children and youth. To expand the outreach at the grassroots level by strengthening collaboration with various Church commissions.
• A national-level initiative has also been launched to create a database of mental health professionals. This initiative aims to support parish and diocesan efforts in the country.
• For engagement at the grassroots level, Catholic Mental Health Ministry featured the Good Samaritan Award to honour individuals who supported those in distress. It was awarded to Jipson from the Archdiocese of Ernakulam – Angamaly for his contribution to parish-based mental health initiatives.
• Participants also decided to organise zonal and diocesan conferences across Kerala to expand outreach, address stigma about mental health and promote suicide prevention. It also aimed at training ‘ Good Samaritans” equipped to respond to people in need.
• The conference was concluded with a commitment to build compassionate and parish -centred response to mental health challenges.