Many people go to their religious leader when they are struggling with the loss of a loved one by suicide or if they may be having thoughts of suicide. Soul Shop™ is a one-day training workshop designed to equip clergy, staff, lay pastors, and faith-based clinicians with the resources and guidance they need to foster hope and healing in their community.

The goal of this workshop is to familiarize participants with the incidence and impact of suicide on their faith communities, and train them to address issues related to suicide.  After the training, the participants will be able to address issues related to mental health and suicide prevention as a regular aspect of their life and work. Overall, the workshops will lead to an ongoing, strategic effort to shift the way that faith communities address and support those who may be struggling with suicide loss or thoughts of suicide.

As an important social pillar in Black communities, religious organizations play an incredibly influential and supportive role in the wellbeing of their communities and have a documented history of helping catalyze social change. Soul Shop for Black Churches equips these leaders who are on the front lines of the mental health crisis to minister to those impacted by all the faces of trauma and struggle with regard to suicide. Soul Shop for Black Churches focuses on:

• The role of societal discrimination in suicide rates among Black and brown young people
• The prominent role of the church in Black communities and how it can be leveraged for a positive impact related to suicide prevention and  loss and healing
• Statistics, trends and rates of suicide among people of color
• Challenges of and ideas for engaging issues of mental health and suicide in Black churches

After the training, the participants will be able to address issues related to mental health and suicide prevention as a regular aspect of their life and work.

The creation of this training was driven by AFSP’s commitment to health equity for diverse communities and addressing the rising rate of suicide among Black people. As a health organization, AFSP is dedicated to addressing the mental health and suicide prevention needs among underserved populations. We are committed to a process of change knowing that long-term, sustained efforts are needed to improve access to culturally informed, evidence-based quality mental health care.

To bring these programs to a community or church, learn more here.