The Clarks Summit Deanery Inter-parish Mental Health Ministry Team is offering two important mental health resources to the community, both aimed at increasing awareness and providing practical support. These courses are designed to promote understanding of mental health issues, provide strategies for intervention, and create a compassionate environment for those affected by mental health challenges.
1. Sanctuary Course for Catholics (Faith and Mental Health)
This eight-week course is open to anyone 18 years and older and offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection of faith and mental health. The course will include short films, presentations, discussion, and prayer, and aims to engage participants in conversations about mental health within the context of faith.
The course will take place at two Clarks Summit locations and via Zoom:
Wednesday mornings at the Church of Saint Gregory, Clarks Green, from 10:30 a.m. to noon (starting January 22 and running through March 12).
Thursday evenings at Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (starting January 23 and concluding on March 13).
A Zoom option will also be available on Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The course does not require previous training or expertise and is open to anyone wishing to learn more about mental health in a faith-based setting.
2. Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training will be held at Saint Gregory Parish. This training is designed to teach adults—such as parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, and others—how to help adolescents (ages 12-18) who are experiencing mental health challenges or crises.
The course includes:
- An introduction to common youth mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, and eating disorders.
- A review of adolescent development.
- A 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
The training is a combination of online preliminary work (two hours) and in-person instruction from a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) instructor. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on the day of the course.
This training, which typically costs over $100, is free for participants thanks to a grant from the Social Justice Trust Fund of the Diocese of Scranton, which is supported by the Catholic Ministries Appeal.
Registration Information:
Those interested in attending are encouraged to register by January 22. This initiative provides valuable tools for supporting youth mental health and is an excellent opportunity for the community to learn how to make a positive impact.
These free resources highlight the community’s commitment to mental health education and support, making it easier for individuals to help others in times of need.
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