Five Years On: reflecting on the impact of the pandemic on Mental Health
A day conference organised by the Diocesan Mental Health Forum
Keynote speakers:
Revd Liz England, Vicar of three rural churches on the western edge of the Peak District, will share some of her experience of parish ministry during the pandemic, when she was a team rector in Buxton. She caught COVID before the first lock down, was hospitalised with COVID related pneumonia, and went on to create a support group for fellow ministers suffering with Long COVID. Liz is also the author and illustrator of a series of books 'Bible Adventures with Teddy and Dolly' and runs the charity 'PrayGo' which is working to create an augmented reality app, that will encourage and enable prayer, in and by the community.
Revd Hazel Stoddart, Anglican Chaplain at the University of Chester, will reflect particularly on the impact of the pandemic on young people. Those who were at High School in 2020 are now represented in the current student population. What was their experience and how does it impact them today?
Both speakers will also lead workshops in the afternoon, to enable further exploration of our theme, along with other workshops (further details to follow). There will also be a reflective space, facilitated by Peter Mackriell, Head of Counselling Services, to support personal reflection and to share stories. Participants will be invited to sign up for two workshops.