Grace in Action: supporting church communities to care with confidence

For the first time, our Lived Experience, Complex Emotional Needs Training, Recovery and Wellbeing College, and K&C Community Collaboration teams partnered with St Mary Abbots Church to design a workshop to help clergy and volunteers feel more confident supporting people with complex needs.

Faith settings are often one of the first places people turn to when life becomes overwhelming. Clergy and volunteers hear difficult stories, offer comfort and try to guide people who may be struggling with mental health, housing issues, trauma or isolation. Many want to help but do not always feel equipped to manage these situations safely.

Grace in Action set out to change that.

On 17 November, clergy and church staff from across the Church of England dioceses gathered at St Mary Abbots for a full day of learning and reflection. The atmosphere was warm and open, with people sharing their experiences and the challenges they face in day-to-day ministry.

The workshop covered the essentials: how to set healthy boundaries, how to stay calm in tense situations and when to call in extra support. A practical case study, based on real church scenarios, helped bring the learning to life. Participants worked together to explore what might help someone in distress, and how to do so while staying safe themselves.

For many, it was the first time they had space to explore these issues with mental health professionals. One attendee said the session helped them understand how to support people with compassion while protecting their own wellbeing.

By meeting clergy where they are, the workshop also strengthened links between churches and local mental health services. This helps people access the right support earlier, reduces pressure on statutory services and builds confidence within community spaces that already play a vital role in residents’ lives.

In total, 58 clergy and church staff attended. The enthusiasm was clear. Father Tim from St Mary Abbots and a representative who supports churches across London are already keen to see the workshop adapted and delivered more widely, with the potential to reach faith communities across the country.

Grace in Action shows what is possible when statutory services and faith groups work side by side: stronger relationships, more confident communities and support that begins close to home.