Mental Health Resources

Conversations on Mental Health has been created to open honest, hope filled discussion around mental health in a church context. Many young people in Australia experience mental health challenges each year, yet most of us still feel unsure how to talk about it or how to help. This series exists to build confidence, reduce stigma, and encourage healthier conversations in our churches and ministries. Each video features voices from professional practice, church leadership, and lived experience. The videos are suitable for youth and young adults, leaders, parents, and small groups, and can be used in formal sessions or as conversation starters. 

How to Use the Video Series 

You can use the series flexibly depending on your context. Here are some simple patterns. 

With Youth or Young Adults (gathered sessions) 

Choose a theme or topic that fits your group, such as anxiety, getting help, or faith and mental health, then watch one “Conversations on Mental Health” video together, either in full or in shorter segments. Use a few prepared questions to open discussion about what stood out, what felt real, and what raised questions, then refer to the relevant fact sheet for clear language, key signs to look for, and ways to support friends. Finish by naming where help is available, leaders, parents, professionals, and crisis support and pray together in a way that is safe and appropriate for your group.  

With Leaders and Parents 

For leaders and parents, you might use the video series by selecting one or two conversations that speak directly into their context, watching together, and then using a few guided questions to reflect on what resonated, what raised concerns, and what this means for how they support young people. From there, you can walk through the relevant fact sheets to clarify language, warning signs, and appropriate responses, before briefly outlining local pathways for care, referral, and Youth Mental Health First Aid training as a practical next step. 

As an Online Resource  

You can also use the series by creating a simple “Mental Health” section on your church or ministry website where you host the videos and fact sheets together, explaining clearly that these resources are intended to build understanding and support rather than replace professional help. Alongside the content, include a short list of crisis numbers, local services, and a clear church contact person for pastoral support so that anyone engaging with the material knows where to turn if they or someone they know needs further care 

Youth Mental Health First Aid – Going Further 

Alongside the video series, we can come to your church and run a variety of different youth mental health training workshops to guide and eqquip people in how to recognize common signs of mental health problems in young people, offer initial support in a safe and appropriate way, and encourage professional help and other supports where needed. The workshops range from 2 to 6hrs, depending on your needs and can be customised to fit your church and ministry context. 

Fiona is also able to come to your youth group and do a youth talk/workshop aimed specifically for the young people in your ministry. 

For more information about youth mental health training, or for questions about using the video series in your church, you can contact Fiona at fgardner@nswactbaptists.org.au