Time

Several years ago, as part of my recovery from a mental health crisis, along with my local church, we set up a well-being space in Nottingham.

After years of trying too hard to be a good Christian, to “help” or “fix” others, I was completely burnt out. Together we learnt how to give more sustainably whilst also learning to receive from God and others. I was so delighted to find that the simple space, with its warm welcome, shared hobbies and prayerful rhythms ended up not being about me "giving" to others but more about me "receiving" from each person who came through our doors. I began to see each person as a gift, not as a problem to be fixed.

God began to teach me slower, steadier rhythms of life, and what started as me wanting to give to those who struggled with their mental health ended up being about us all seeing that giving and receiving is good for our well-being and being willing to be the receiver sometimes is important too.

There are now nearly 300 such centres around the UK and beyond. Each space begins with our simple habits of well-being and the willingness to share these with others. Our prayer habits are part of this offer to our communities. A Renew Wellbeing space can be run by any local church and is simple, safe, and sustainable.

There are three principles. Be present. Just give a little of your time each week to show up and attend to well-being together. Be prayerful. Be willing to share simple prayer rhythms and quiet spaces of peace. Be in partnership. Work with mental health services and other organisations locally to see well-being renewed in your area.

Giving that keeps on giving. Receiving that keeps on receiving.

Prayer:

Pray for churches to prioritise well-being and needs of the most vulnerable and open simple spaces for all to attend shalom.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Have a proper chat! Phone Granny, cousin, or a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
2. Offer a few hours of your expertise to a church, charity, or school, it might be just what they need.
3. Book some leave and offer your time and talents to an organisation that would benefit from having you volunteer your time.