Mumbai Workshop to Equip Church Communities for Compassionate Mental Health Care

MUMBAI, September 4, 2026: A one-day workshop in Mumbai will seek to strengthen awareness of mental health concerns and equip Church communities to respond with greater compassion, understanding and informed care.

Organised by the Health Promotion Trust (HPT) in collaboration with the Catholic Mental Health Ministry (CMHM), Bangalore, the workshop, titled “Compassion in Action: Our Response to Mental Health,” will be held on October 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Salvation Seva Kendra Hall, Dadar West.

The programme is intended to promote a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and encourage compassionate, informed and faith-based responses within families, parishes and wider communities.

Organisers have particularly encouraged priests and religious to participate, highlighting the relevance of mental health awareness and pastoral care to their ministry.

Archbishop John Rodrigues of Bombay will be the chief guest and will also celebrate Holy Mass during the programme. Fr. Santosh Dias, Secretary of the CBCI Office for Health Care, Bangalore, will be the guest of honour.

Participants will also receive a free copy of a Catholic Mental Health Ministry resource as part of the workshop.

The organisers said the initiative is aimed at moving beyond awareness towards practical and compassionate responses to people experiencing mental health concerns, while encouraging communities to approach such issues without stigma or fear.

Registration will remain open until September 25. The contribution is ₹200, inclusive of breakfast and lunch.

For registration and enquiries, participants may contact Sharon Rodrigues at 9769021696 or 9619001142, or email healthpromotiontrust@gmail.com.

By Catholic Connect Reporter