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Building Bridges: Mental Health Consumers and Members of Faith-Based and Community Organizations in Dialogue

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Conclusions

Participants ended the dialogue by expressing optimism about the positive impact that mental health consumers and members of faith-based and community organizations can have by working together. The dialogue itself was a unique opportunity, both enlightening and inspirational to everyone who attended.

The participants stated their hope and expectation that readers of this monograph can use the dialogue’s findings and recommendations to create partnerships in their own communities. These partnerships can build supportive environments that promote recovery for individuals with mental health disorders and at the same time educate clergy, congregations, and members of the community at large about mental illnesses. Partnerships can reduce discrimination and stigma attached to mental illness. Partnerships can foster hope and help for everyone who experiences mental illness.

“There is great opportunity in this country for community and faith-based organizations to contribute in new and profound ways.” (Faith community worker)