Why Mental Health Sunday?

Stats from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:

- 1 in 5 Australians

aged 16-85 (22% or 4.3 million) experienced a mental disorder.

- 17% of Australians experienced an Anxiety disorder. 

8% experienced an Affective disorder and 3% a Substance use disorder.

- 1 in 7 children and adolescents

aged 4-17 years experienced a mental illness.

With these numbers, it is most likely, if we do not know first-hand what it’s like to battle with mental health, we know someone who does. That is why we think it is important that we put a Sunday aside and think through how the gospel of Jesus speaks into an aspect of our mental health.

This year we have a particular focus on the family with our subject being:

Jesus, Family and Mental Health

We will be thinking through how we might best love our family when one or more members are battling with mental health. And how can faith in Jesus help us?

We have invited Steve Dinning who will speak at all our services and then run a lunch time workshop. For catering purposes, we would love to know if you are interested in the workshop. You can sign up on the sheet up the back or email Dave to let him know. We’ll provide a light lunch for the workshop.

A Bit About Steve

Steve visited us a few years ago running a parenting workshop that all who attended found really helpful.

Steve has a background in social work and Anglican parish ministry. As part of Anglicare’s Family & Life Skills Education Team he runs courses and seminars in parenting, family life and relating with others. He’s also on Anglicare’s Southern Counselling Team.