In a series of free online seminars we will be exploring the issues encountered by faith communities in supporting people with mental health challenges.

Mental wellbeing is at the forefront of current considerations, but these seminars will look at issues around long-term mental health challenges as well as the impact of Covid-19.

The seminars are complementary to the work being undertaken on mental health and older people under the aegis of Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS).

1st seminar by Professor John Swinton on "The role of faith in the lives of Christians living with mental health challenges"; 2nd seminar by Professor Austyn Snowden on "When is mental health spiritual health in Older People"; 3rd seminar by The Rev Canon Dr Marion Chatterley will address "Whole person care in the final chapters of life: exploring the impact on mental health of facing one’s mortality"

4th seminar by Dr Gill Yellowlees. SOLD OUT. Numbers are limited for this workshop to allow for whole group discussions. If we are unable to accommodate all those wishing to attend, further dates may be arranged. Understanding mental illness is more about asking questions and having a willingness to listen, than it is about knowing the answers. This workshop is an opportunity for people involved in pastoral care work to reflect on our own experiences of walking alongside others who are suffering with mental illness, with a particular emphasis on the needs of older people. There will be more of a focus on illnesses such as depression, anxiety and psychosis, than on dementia. The workshop will be interactive and will include time for small group discussions in breakout rooms. Participants will need to have a basic level of confidence in using Zoom (e.g. mute/unmute, gallery/speaker view and the chat function), and a device which will allow for seeing at least 16 frames on screen.

5th seminar entitled "Mental health challenges from the perspectives of different faiths". FiOP is delighted to be partnering with Interfaith Scotland on this important issue and to welcome as our panel Rita Docherty, Nicola Maule and Robin Downie.The session will be 90 minutes to give each of our three speakers time for a presentation and then to have discussion.