Training opportunity for churches on addressing mentally ill

Community resources are often scarce for people facing acute mental illnesses – and more frequently churches are becoming first responders in this crisis.
 
According to a survey recently conducted by the Oregon-Idaho Conference Abundant Health team, most clergy from the Conference indicated that while the interactions with the mentally ill have increased, but they don’t always know how to respond appropriately.
 
Pastor Tim Winslea of Montavilla UMC, also a registered nurse, is inviting clergy and church staff to attend a training on how to respond with compassion to people with mental illnesses, Thursday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Beaverton First United Methodist Church.
 
The two-hour training is designed to give participants important communication skills useful when working with depressed and potentially suicidal individuals, and training on well-tested tools on making the appropriate referrals to law enforcement or medical support. The workshop will also provide participants with ways to make a congregation an effective therapeutic community for those with mental illness.
 
If interested in attending, call Winslea at Montavilla UMC at 503–254-5529.  There is no cost for this event and all church leaders, lay and clergy, are invited.