Giving Good Advice On Health And Wellbeing

Published on: 21 Sep, 2016
Updated on: 21 Sep, 2016

The Diocese of Guildford’s Communities Engagement Team helps churches and their parishioners across Surrey in their work supporting their communities. This, the fourth in a series of stories, focuses on Suzette Jones and her work as its health and wellbeing advisor.

Suzette Jones.

A registered nurse for over 35 years, Suzette Jones has worked extensively with a wide variety of people who have severe health problems, mental illness and/or a learning disability in hospital and community settings.

Suzette supports and facilitates training, talks and projects on a range of health-related subjects including mental health, addiction, suicide prevention, domestic abuse, disability, mindfulness and wellbeing to the faith, voluntary and statutory sectors.

Suzette said: “The most popular talk at present is Mindfulness, A Christian Perspective. Mindfulness simply means paying attention to our experience in the present moment, on purpose and with an attitude of kindly acceptance.

“What, why and who is it for? This introduction to mindfulness, invites attendees to ‘dip into the present moment’ with simple exercises to focus and gain attention and useful techniques for using mindfulness in everyday life.”

Mental distress is a common feature of everyday life; one in four of us are mentally unwell at any one time, with over half of us experiencing stress and depression.

The Real Me, a 90-minutes talk, provides an insight into the major mental health issues of today, the pathway of care and what might we do to help keep ourselves and our communities well.

All the talks are open to all and Suzette is happy to deliver these free of charge with a gratefully received donation to The Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation.

Working in partnership with local government, public services and voluntary groups, Suzette participates on a variety of committees. She is fully funded by the Diocese of Guildford.

Click here for the Diocese of Guildford’s website and its health and wellbeing page that is part of its Communities Engagement Team.