Living and working as an ordained minister into the mid-21st century can take its toll on the body, mind, and soul. If we are to keep providing worship, care and leadership for others, then we need to look after all aspects of ourselves. There is a growing understanding across Scotland about good physical and mental health, with an ever-increasing range of resources to draw upon, and everyone is encouraged to do so. For support that is more specifically geared towards clergy, keep reading.

Spiritual Direction & Pastoral Supervision

Spiritual Direction is a deeply personal and sacred relationship between two people where the journey of faith and our life with God can be explored, celebrated and deepened. Pastoral Supervision offers a regular, intentional and boundaried space within which a person can explore their professional practice so they may continually growing in their work. More detailed information is provided in dedicated pages.

Spiritual Direction

Pastoral Supervision

Financial Support (Personal)

The Clergy Support Trust can provide financial support to Anglican clergy members (serving and retired) and their families. Such support covers a range of situations and means of aid, including:

• Emergency financial support to help support a clergy household (serving or retired) or a former clergy partner when times are hard financially. This is means tested and can be applied for each year.
• Emergency grants are designed to help in times of unforeseen crises or unexpected costs. These grants are smaller in value (usually up to £500), with decisions and payments being made more quickly than for financial support grants. 
• Signposting to debt support organisations.
• Support for a wide range of healthcare needs from assistive technology, bereavement, and glasses to educational psychologists for children.
• Wellbeing grants including retreats and sabbaticals.
• Other wellbeing grants are available for counselling, carer support, ordinands and curate books, coaching and mentoring.  These grants are means tested.
• Grants for those suffering with long-covid.
• Sleep support via an app.
• An e-Library for those in IME1 and IME2.

The Trust is also keen to promote research which examines and addresses the underlying issues which affect clergy wellbeing. Clergy Support Trust therefore invites proposals for research grants in this area.

For much more detailed information, please go to their website: www.clergysupport.org.uk.

Mental Health and Well-being

There is a wealth of information and resources available about mental health and wellbeing on Scotland’s NHS Inform website.

The Mind and Soul Foundation provides a conduit between mental health professionals and the Christian faith. On their website you can find a range of articles and resources that help bring these, at times seemingly disparate, fields together.

There are many avenues of help available when our mental health is challenging, but it can be hard to navigate these when feeling overwhelmed or unwell. Initial support is available from the Diocese, from the Bishop, the Dean, or the Advisor for Christian Life. Your GP is also a good first port of call. If you are in crisis, call 111.