The Sanctuary Youth Series is centered on the pressing questions that young people are asking about faith and mental health. It provides space to engage these questions and start important conversations in youth ministries and church communities. Drawing on insights from mental health professionals, theologians, youth pastors, and evidence-based research, this educational and interactive resource also features the voices of young Christians with lived experiences of mental health challenges in the films that accompany each session. The course is designed to reduce stigma, increase awareness within faith communities, increase positive attitudes towards help-seeking and mental health care, and prepare students for a faith journey that includes seasons of flourishing and languishing.

The series materials:

Films
Each session includes a short educational film featuring dynamic presenters, the lived experience story of a young Christian, a panel of youth discussing the lived experience story, and several discussion questions. Participants watch the films together during group meetings.

A Facilitation Guide
The Facilitation Guide includes helpful tips for facilitating the series for youth ministry leaders, instructions for all games and exercises, additional information on specific diagnoses referenced in the films, and information on safeguarding and referrals.

A Parent and Caregiver’s Guide
This informational document for parents and caregivers outlines key teaching points from each session and equips families with information and resources to continue the mental health conversation with their young person at home.

The Sanctuary Youth Series also includes a spoken word piece by Guvna B, evidence-based exercises that students can use at home, and a welcome letter to parents and caregivers.
More resources related to the course, including film transcripts and promotional materials, can be found here.
Facilitating The Sanctuary Youth Series requires no previous mental health training or expertise; it is for anyone who wants to create space for young people to discuss faith and mental health.
Disclaimer: The purpose of The Sanctuary Youth Series is to raise awareness and reduce stigma by starting conversations about mental health in faith communities. Consequently, The Sanctuary Youth Series is intended for educational purposes only and the information provided is not a substitute for medical or therapeutic advice. If you feel you may need medical advice, please consult a qualified health care professional.

The films included in The Sanctuary Youth Series capture the experiences of young people in their own words. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not always represent the views of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries.

The Sanctuary Youth Series does not contain graphic content, but it does address sensitive topics. This resource is recommended for use with students eleven to fifteen years of age.

The Sanctuary Youth Series. Copyright © by Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries.
Some rights reserved. The Sanctuary Youth Series may be downloaded, printed, and photocopied for any non-commercial uses, so long as copyright is acknowledged in each instance. For any uses not expressly permitted above, including creating derivative works or incorporating The Sanctuary Youth Series into other media, please contact Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries to request written authorization. Unauthorized use of The Sanctuary Youth Series is strictly prohibited.

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries
PO Box 20147 Fairview, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 0C1
www.sanctuarymentalhealth.org

First Edition

Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The materials contained in The Sanctuary Youth Series may contain third-party content that is not owned by Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries but is being used with permission (including stock photographs, footage, music, typefaces, etc.). The spoken word poem, “The First Step,” by Guvna B is owned entirely by Guvna B, and is licensed to Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries.