Church support regarding mental health
Those attenders who had sought or received mental health treatment, were asked to rate the support they received from their local church, with regard to their mental health.
Around four in ten (39%) give a favourable rating of the support they receive from their church, with 14% rating it as excellent and 25% as good. Some 12% rate the support from their church as adequate.
Also telling, is the rate of respondents who say their church is unaware of the state of their mental health.
Whilst there was a decrease from 46% in 2016 who said their church was unaware, some 38% of attenders in 2021, who had received treatment for a mental health issue in the prior 2 years, say their church is unaware of it.
For many attenders experiencing problems with their mental health, it may not be relevant that their church knows and that their privacy is respected. For others, it may be the case that their local church congregation can provide valuable support and social connection.
Overall, our results show that many churches are actively engaged in being a place of inclusion and provision, offering welcome to people with disabilities and health issues. From provision of facilities to an active culture of inclusion, from staff training to statements of commitment, a variety of provisions are seen.
More information on these provisions and commitments is available in the free report 'Disability inclusion, provision and care: trends in local churches from 2016 to 2021'.
