00:00I am delighted to be able to join you today and I am particularly pleased that this week's service
00:05is focused on the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.
00:10Mental health is an issue Catherine and I care passionately about and we are determined to do
00:15all we can to remove the stigma attached to it. The impact of coronavirus has been far-reaching
00:22and we shouldn't underestimate its effects on us and on those in our families and communities.
00:29Whether people have lost or are worrying about loved ones, struggling with isolating at home,
00:35feeling anxious about job security or working on the front line, now more than ever it is important
00:41that we talk to one another about issues we're struggling with and it is okay to not feel okay.
00:49So as we mark the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week I want to encourage anyone who
00:54has concerns about their own mental health or that of others to reach out. For some that may be through
01:01prayer and quiet reflection, for others it could be talking to a fellow parishioner, friend or family
01:07member about how they're feeling. Whoever you talk to, connecting with someone and finding the words to
01:13open up can be a life-changing step. I understand that some people will be worried about burdening
01:20other people in the midst of this crisis but people should not feel afraid to start a conversation.
01:27Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and it is worthy of attention.
01:33These are of course challenging circumstances for us all and like so many others it has taken us time to
01:40adjust to a new way of living. Catherine and I have both found great comfort in the wonderful acts of
01:46kindness we have seen happening right across the nation. The Christian teachings of faith, hope and love
01:54could not be more appropriate as we all try to navigate our way through these uncertain times.
02:00I want to end by offering mine and Catherine's gratitude for all that Church of England churches are doing
02:05to bring a sense of community, togetherness and peace to all those who are struggling.
02:12These connections will be more important than ever in the weeks and months ahead. Thank you.
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