Recognising the stresses and pressures of their calling, General Synod – the Church’s governing body - has today voted to ensure clergy can access counselling and therapy, as well as mental health training to support others.
Dr Jamie Harrison, a GP from the Diocese of Durham, introduced the debate. He described the need to support the mental health of parishes, local communities and schools as "a Gospel imperative", particularly highlighting the mental health of young people and the challenges they face in relation to "social media, body image, gender matters, and how they see their futures unfolding."
The Archbishop of Canterbury, an Honorary President of Clergy Support Trust, backed the motion, commenting that "access to mental health support is essential, because mental wellbeing is part of what makes a flourishing life." She added that it was only through collaboration with the NHS and the Government that the mental health crisis could be addressed.
In 2025, Clergy Support Trust provided over 30 grants, totalling over £35,000, to support the mental health of clergy children with Talking Therapies. We are also privileged to help fund projects like Life to the Max and Family Max, an outdoor activity weekend in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, to connect clergy children of all ages, and help them feel less isolated in the unique experience of growing up with a clergy parent.
Serving those who serve
Hearing testimonies from those in both ordained and lay ministry, Synod also voted that clergy should be able to access independently provided counselling and therapy. Clergy can only support their communities, if they are able to access appropriate support themselves.
In 2025, with the help of our partners, JR Corporate Health, the Trust supported clergy and their partners facing stress, anxiety and depression with over £200,000 in funding towards counselling and therapy, across 240 grants. We also enjoy close relationships with organisations who support clergy in crisis or approaching breakdown. Last year, we supported The Sheldon Retreat Centre, a Christian community in Devon, with over £60,000 in funding.
A response from the Trust
"For some time now, our work and the Church’s own research have made clear that too many clergy are struggling with their mental health, with isolation, burnout and clinical depression all too common. Today's news is a welcome step in a better direction."
"In 2025 alone, Clergy Support Trust provided over 7,200 grants to support clergy and their families with their financial, physical and mental wellbeing. This includes almost £4 million in Health grants and Wellbeing grants, enabling clergy and their families to rest and recharge. Our programme of popular Wellbeing Workshops includes Mental Health First Aid training, provided free-of-charge across several dioceses."
"The wording of the motion passed by Synod calls upon Dioceses to ensure that their offering of mental health support is substantial and effective. We hope that Dioceses will receive support where necessary from the Church of England at a national level, to ensure they are properly equipped to fulfil this promise."
"Having successfully advocated for the Church to improve the basic rate of clergy pay – the basic stipend is set to rise by 10.7% this April - we look forward to continuing to work with the national Church and Dioceses to make these worthy ambitions a reality, and to ensure that the mental health of clergy remains a priority."
The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls
Chief Executive, Clergy Support Trust