29 May 2026, 17:58Pastor Ratko Risteski, edited by SM CommunicationsScotland, United Kingdom
Mental Health Awareness Week Strengthens Communities Across Scotland and Beyond
More than 100 participants joined nightly as the Scottish Mission Health Department hosted a week-long online programme exploring mental and emotional well-being through faith, education, and community support.
The Scottish Mission Health Department successfully hosted a six-night Mental Health Awareness Week programme from 12–17 May under the theme “Mind Matters: Rebuilding Mental and Emotional Well-being.” The online event brought together church members, health leaders, and guests from across the United Kingdom and beyond to explore the growing importance of mental and emotional well-being in today's society.
Organised in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, the programme provided a platform for open discussion, education, and encouragement, addressing the challenges many individuals and families face in navigating stress, anxiety, and emotional pressures in modern life.
Each evening featured presentations, discussions, and practical guidance designed to strengthen mental and emotional health through faith, awareness, and supportive relationships. Topics included anxiety, emotional resilience, stress management, spiritual encouragement, and the vital role of community support in promoting well-being.
The programme attracted strong participation throughout the week, with more than 100 attendees joining online each evening from across Scotland and the wider British Union Conference territory.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers who shared professional expertise, practical insights, and spiritual encouragement. Presenters included Dr Zeno Charles-Marcel, Director of Health Ministries at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Dr Yury Bondarenko, Associate Director of Health Ministries at the General Conference; Karen Holford, Health Ministries Director for the Trans-European Division; and Adrian Dure, Project Manager of Reminded at Hope Media Europe.
The initiative was coordinated by Pastor Ratko Risteski, Scottish Mission Health Ministries Sponsor, whose vision was to create a safe and informative environment where mental health could be discussed openly and constructively within a faith-based context.
Expressing her appreciation for the programme, Karen Holford highlighted the importance of addressing mental health within church communities. She noted that mental health challenges can affect anyone and emphasised the need for greater awareness, understanding, and open conversations. "We need to talk about this topic much more openly so we can support those who are struggling and train people who understand the challenges and respond with the loving compassion and comfort that God shows to all His children,” she said.
Highlighting the programme's spiritual dimension, Sharon Platt-McDonald, British Union Conference Health Ministries Director, welcomed the emphasis on the positive role of faith and prayer in supporting mental well-being. Describing the presentations as “relevant, timely, and informative,” she also emphasised the need for greater awareness and training to support mental well-being within church communities.
The programme responded to a growing recognition that many people continue to face emotional and mental health challenges, often in silence. By combining practical health education with spiritual encouragement, presenters highlighted ways to build resilience, strengthen hope, and foster supportive communities.
Positive feedback and strong attendance throughout the week reflected the growing engagement with conversations around mental and emotional well-being within church communities. Participants expressed appreciation for the programme's balanced approach, which integrated professional expertise, faith-based perspectives, and practical support.
Building on the success of the initiative, the Scottish Mission Health Department plans to continue developing programmes and training opportunities that promote emotional well-being, strengthen resilience, and support healthier communities grounded in faith, compassion, and understanding.
More than 100 participants joined nightly as the Scottish Mission Health Department hosted a week-long online programme exploring mental and emotional well-being through faith, education, and community support.
The Scottish Mission Health Department successfully hosted a six-night Mental Health Awareness Week programme from 12–17 May under the theme “Mind Matters: Rebuilding Mental and Emotional Well-being.” The online event brought together church members, health leaders, and guests from across the United Kingdom and beyond to explore the growing importance of mental and emotional well-being in today's society.
Organised in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week, the programme provided a platform for open discussion, education, and encouragement, addressing the challenges many individuals and families face in navigating stress, anxiety, and emotional pressures in modern life.
Each evening featured presentations, discussions, and practical guidance designed to strengthen mental and emotional health through faith, awareness, and supportive relationships. Topics included anxiety, emotional resilience, stress management, spiritual encouragement, and the vital role of community support in promoting well-being.
The programme attracted strong participation throughout the week, with more than 100 attendees joining online each evening from across Scotland and the wider British Union Conference territory.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers who shared professional expertise, practical insights, and spiritual encouragement. Presenters included Dr Zeno Charles-Marcel, Director of Health Ministries at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists; Dr Yury Bondarenko, Associate Director of Health Ministries at the General Conference; Karen Holford, Health Ministries Director for the Trans-European Division; and Adrian Dure, Project Manager of Reminded at Hope Media Europe.
The initiative was coordinated by Pastor Ratko Risteski, Scottish Mission Health Ministries Sponsor, whose vision was to create a safe and informative environment where mental health could be discussed openly and constructively within a faith-based context.
Expressing her appreciation for the programme, Karen Holford highlighted the importance of addressing mental health within church communities. She noted that mental health challenges can affect anyone and emphasised the need for greater awareness, understanding, and open conversations. "We need to talk about this topic much more openly so we can support those who are struggling and train people who understand the challenges and respond with the loving compassion and comfort that God shows to all His children,” she said.
Highlighting the programme's spiritual dimension, Sharon Platt-McDonald, British Union Conference Health Ministries Director, welcomed the emphasis on the positive role of faith and prayer in supporting mental well-being. Describing the presentations as “relevant, timely, and informative,” she also emphasised the need for greater awareness and training to support mental well-being within church communities.
The programme responded to a growing recognition that many people continue to face emotional and mental health challenges, often in silence. By combining practical health education with spiritual encouragement, presenters highlighted ways to build resilience, strengthen hope, and foster supportive communities.
Positive feedback and strong attendance throughout the week reflected the growing engagement with conversations around mental and emotional well-being within church communities. Participants expressed appreciation for the programme's balanced approach, which integrated professional expertise, faith-based perspectives, and practical support.
Building on the success of the initiative, the Scottish Mission Health Department plans to continue developing programmes and training opportunities that promote emotional well-being, strengthen resilience, and support healthier communities grounded in faith, compassion, and understanding.
