The new initiative empowers faith leaders to address issues related to mental health and suicide prevention.
While we typically think of a therapist's office as a place for mental health support, a new training program for suicide prevention is showing up where you may least expect it – Black churches. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) launched Soul ShopTM for Black Churches, a new training program to help faith leaders, including church staff, pastors, faith-based clinicians and other lay leaders in churches to administer to those in their congregations who may be struggling with their mental health and/or who have been impacted by suicide.
Suicide Prevention Program Aims for Safe Spaces in the Black Church
Advocates are working to equip Black clergy with the tools needed to tackle a topic often shrouded in silence.
By Steven Ross Johnson - Sept. 1, 2022, at 11:47 a.m.
New Org Aims to Improve Black Mental Health with the Help of Churches
Soul Shop for Black Churches is a new effort by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that’s working to change attitudes and improve access to mental health services in communities of color.
The one-day workshop helps train faith leaders to identify and provide support to members in their congregations who may be facing mental health challenges.
It also works to end stigmatization of mental health challenges and the need for professional treatment.
