Church clergy, youth leaders, staff, lay pastors and faith-based clinicians are invited to a free, one-day, faith-based mental healh/suicide prevention workshop that will help guide them in shining a light in the lives of individuals and families going through their darkest times.

The Kay Dore’ Counseling Clinic at McNeese State University will host “Soul Shop for Leaders” on Friday, May 3, and “Soul Shop for Youth Leaders” on Saturday, May 4, at Stokes Auditorium, Hardtner Hall at McNeese, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Lunch provided.

“Soul Shop for Youth Leaders” is designed to equip youth pastors, youth leaders, camp directors, camp counselors and anyone else who works with young people. Special attention will focus on youth-specific issues of impulsivity, contagion, social media, mandated reporting and confidentiality.      

Charlotte Satcher, founder and director of the Hands of Faith Outreach Ministries in DeRidder participated in the “Soul Shop for Leaders” last year.

She was surprised to discover that every member of clergy, including her, had their own thoughts about the best way to address suicide – or not address it. At the end of the session, they were all on the same page.

“Suicide is a difficult subject to approach in any setting,” admitted Satcher, who believes in the power of prayer, that God heals – and now she believes that talking about mental health issues and suicide helps reduce the stigma. “The church is a place of healing, a good place to save lives spiritually and naturally,” she said. “We work in the business of ‘all things are possible.’”

To register go to www.soulshopmovement.org. If you are in a crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.