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Churches Called to Respond as Mental Health Demand Continues to Rise
With demand for mental health support continuing to outstrip available services, a timely discussion at CRE 2026 will explore the unique role churches can play in supporting those experiencing emotional and psychological distress.
The Mental Health panel takes place on Wednesday 14 October from 12.30pm to 1.15pm and will include Kathy Spooner, CEO of the Association of Christians in Counselling.
This panel session will explore what role churches can play as well as what lies behind the current mental health crisis. It will also uncover how untrained volunteers can offer meaningful support while recognising the importance of professional care.
Kathy Spooner brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. After a successful career in IT management, she retrained as a counsellor in 2006 before completing an MA in Integrative Psychotherapy at the London School of Theology in 2014. She joined the Association of Christians in Counselling as Director of Counselling in 2017, then becoming Chief Executive in 2021. Kathy has helped equip churches, counsellors and pastors to provide support to people experiencing mental health challenges.
The Centre for Mental Health estimates that mental ill health costs England more than £300 billion every year through its impact on health, employment and quality of life. Source - Centre for Mental Health
As churches continue to navigate the growing mental health needs of their communities, this session promises to provide guidance to all those involved to make a lasting difference through informed, Christ-centred care.