The conference was a joint initiative between South East England Faith Forum (SEEFF), the Oxford Diocesan Committee for Interfaith Concerns (ODCIC), Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Art Beyond Belief. Who Cares? was open to all those concerned with the relationship between faith, culture, religion and mental health – mental health practitioners from different faiths and none, faith leaders, representatives of third sector organisations, and mental health service users.
The idea for the conference came about because it was recognised that understanding the relationships and interactions between faith and mental health are pivotal and vital both for those with mental health issues and professionals. Talking to people in these areas of work, we discovered that mental health professionals would like the opportunity to learn more about a variety of cultural approaches to mental illness, just as many faith and cultural communities would like to learn more about how mental health conditions are understood and treated in hospital and community.
“… a fantastic event and very informative. Please keep me posted of any future events” Parvinder Matharu, Senior Client Services Manager
“Thank you very much for your organisation of the event. I found it to be very insightful and interesting to hear the mix of perspectives.” Jillian Hayes, staff nurse at Royal Berkshire Hospital.
“Much appreciated and enjoyed yesterday, so many thanks.” Bill Moore, Independent consultant in education