News

As churches across the UK respond to growing concerns around mental health and wellbeing, CRE 2026 will host an important panel discussion exploring how churches can support individuals and communities facing these challenges.

The panel discussion titled MENTAL HEALTH will take place on Wednesday 14 October 2026 from 12:30pm to 1:15pm and will feature leading mental health advocate Patrick Regan, founder and director of Brighter Days. This session will also feature Kathy Spooner who is the CEO of Association of Christian in Counselling.

Patrick founded the award-winning schools and community charity XLP and later established Kintsugi Hope, whose wellbeing groups now operate in churches and communities across the UK, providing safe spaces for people to discuss mental health and build emotional resilience.

He is also a qualified Mental Health First Aider and respected advocate for social justice as well as receiving an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II for services to young people. This discussion comes at a time when mental health remains one of the most significant challenges facing communities across the UK. A recent study found that one in four adults experience a mental health problem each year, while millions report feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress that affect their daily lives. Source - Mind

As conversations around mental health continue to move to the forefront of public life, this session promises to provide encouragement, inspiration and practical guidance for churches seeking to bring hope and healing.