A Piece from Heather Black, Development Officer for Together Middlesbrough:
Over recent weeks Together Middlesbrough & Cleveland has been hosting a series of training sessions for people in local churches and projects who are reaching out and caring for people in Christ’s name.
We recognise that many people in the communities we serve are struggling with mental health issues, often due to the stress of their difficult circumstances. So, thirty volunteers in local food bank centres and other projects have been involved in Mental Health Awareness Training. This training has equipped them to recognise when someone is struggling, to know how to listen well, offer support and signpost for further help.
We have also been working with Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough (website here). Almost forty people have trained to be Dementia Friends (more information here) and will now help their churches to welcome and support people living with dementia and their carers.
It has been wonderful to see the commitment of people who really want to offer the best care and support to people in their local communities.