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Faith in the Struggle: Walking with God in Mental Health Challenges
28 March @ 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
Cost: £65
Where: Waverley Abbey
Led by: Dr Jason Swan Clark
Where is God when your mind feels heavy and your heart is weary? Mental health struggles can leave us feeling isolated, misunderstood or spiritually disconnected. Too often, faith and mental health are seen as separate, even opposed. Join us at this retreat to explore the truth — that God cares deeply for the whole of who we are: body, mind and soul.
This one-day retreat creates a safe and welcoming space to explore the intersection of faith and mental health. Through teaching, reflection and shared experience, you’ll discover how psychology, theology and Scripture come together in a holistic Christian vision of hope, healing and renewal. More than a seminar, it’s an encounter with the God who draws near in suffering and offers hope in the struggle.
‘One of the greatest pains of mental illness is the sense of being alone. The rest of the world continues blissfully unaware of us, whilst our sufferings are arresting and unrelenting. But we are not alone. Jesus is not just near, but is uniquely able to inhabit and journey with us in our sufferings.’ (Dr Jason Swan Clark, retreat host)
What to expect:
- learning
- fellowship and connection
- time to discuss and share
- practical tools
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:45am | Arrival and registration; coffee/tea upon arrival |
| 10:00am | Session 1 |
| 11:00am | Comfort break |
| 11:15am | Session 2 |
| 12:15pm | Light lunch |
| 1:30pm | Session 3 |
| 2:30pm | Coffee/tea break |
| 3:00pm | Session 4 |
| 4:30pm | End |
About your host
Dr Jason Swan Clark was a church planter and pastor for 25 years. He has a PhD in theology, with a focus on the nature of Christian identity in consumer culture. Having experienced and been significantly impacted by the Spiritual Exercises, Jason is near the end of his training as an Ignatian Spiritual Director. He writes about The Spiritual Exercises and Ignatian Spirituality at SpEx.so. He is Director of the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.
Retreats at Waverley Abbey
There is something very special about being on retreat at Waverley Abbey. A place where your heart for God — your joy, tears, curiosity, prayers and songs — echo those of countless others who’ve walked our grounds these last 1,300 years. A stunning 112 acre site, where the coffee is as good as the scenery. And a welcoming community of teachers, worshippers, seekers and followers who are hungry for Christ and His ways.
So join us — retreat into sacred quiet, reset, and then go back out for God 🔥