What Can We Do?

Written by:

Rev. Amy Petre Hill, Minister of Mental Health and Inclusion

Rev. Dr. Jason C. Whitehead, LCSW, Mosaic Insight

Save Lives: Help Support Groups Meet Online

The current reality of COVID-19 has called churches and spiritual leaders to respond in creative and imaginative ways. Churches are stepping up to offer the community encouragement, companionship, and care in new ways. We’re adapting to online worship services, member phone trees, and online meetings. These Spirit-Led actions help us remain connected, even as we engage in the practice of social distancing.

We would like to start the conversation about how we might reach out and help the broader Mental Health community. One such way is to help empower the life-saving mental health and substance use support groups that gather in our buildings to continue to meet by sharing our online meeting technology.

Zooming to End Isolation and Despair

As church buildings lay vacant for the larger good, mental health support groups, like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) groups, and AA meetings, are left with no place to gather. Those of us struggling with Mental Health challenges are particularly vulnerable to isolation. This can increase anxiety and decrease opportunities to support sobriety, share concerns, and practice skills related to mental well-being.

Most of these support groups are entirely volunteer-run, and members may be struggling with economic insecurity. They may not have the capacity to pay for an online meeting account. Providing an hour or two of access on Zoom or another online meeting platform to support groups promotes the well-being of the broader community.

One example is Mountain View United Church. They have been hosting NAMI and Aurora Mental Health Center support group meetings through their Zoom account (www.zoom.us). This account costs $15 a month, and a staff member helps set up the sessions for both church groups and external support groups. Once the meeting is set up, we hand over technical control to the meeting facilitator, this helps support group members know their conversations remain within the group. It takes about 5 minutes of staff time per meeting but provides immeasurable help.

Connecting to Care Through Colorado Crisis Services

In addition to offering online meeting access, we can enhance everyone’s mental health by sharing information on Colorado Crisis Services. For help with any mental health, substance use, or emotional concern—for you, or someone you know—call Colorado Crisis Services at 844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Trained counselors and peer support specialists provide immediate and confidential help, 24/7/365. For more information, or to find a crisis services walk-in center, www.coloradocrisisservice.org.

In a time where panic can sometimes push aside our faith in God’s presence with us, we can be a voice of hope and imagination for those in need. By reaching out and offering the opportunity for support groups to meet in our virtual churches we continue to create community, show compassion, and connect with one another.  

For more information on offering Zoom to internal and external support group meetings or about NAMI support group meetings feel free to contact Rev. Amy Petré Hill, Minister of Mental Health and Inclusion, at revamy(at)mtviewunited.org.

If you have further concerns or need someone to talk with about your own or another’s mental health and well-being reach out to Rev. Dr. Jason Whitehead, LCSW, at jason(at)mosaic-insight.com.