We, the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan, along with support from the Suicide Prevention Coalitions of Kent and Ottawa Counties, would like to formally invite your congregation to a train- the-trainer workshop called BN 301, be nice. Faith. The combined efforts are to build healthier communities through mental health education and work to reduce the stigmas associated with mental illness.

be nice. is a mental health education, and suicide prevention action plan that creates a positive cultural change through simple daily actions. The program has been implemented in schools, communities, businesses, and now in faith-based communities utilizing a self-starting curriculum with initial training by the Mental Health Foundation Staff.

The goal for putting together this BN 301, be nice. Faith training, is to challenge the faith communities to join in on sharing resources, learn more about suicide warning signs, and work towards reducing stigma.

We ask that each represented congregation pay a fee of $125. This includes a three-hour training, a BN-301 Liaison Training booklet, and a four-part Sermon Series that focuses on equipping, implementing and sustaining churches for suicide prevention by utilizing the be nice. Action Plan.

BN 301, be nice. Faith is a stand-alone adaptive training model, which can be applied to all faith-based denominations. Participants will learn about the various mental health education trainings facilitated by the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan as well as how to connect and schedule any of those trainings to help reach more members trained. Religious congregations are defined by their focus on worship, religious beliefs and teachings—but they can also be a safety net for people who need emotional support and resources. That role alone is a critical contribution to the welfare of human beings in the community. Kent & Ottawa County is home to over 700 religious congregations of diverse faith traditions including Christian, Muslim, Jewish and others.

Most of us know someone who is in counseling, on medication, or has even taken his, her, or their own life as a result of a mental illness. There are many difficult issues to talk about, and mental health would certainly be near the top of that list. This is a conversation that is needed to have. Suicide may be one of the most complex and demanding topics of all. While the circumstances in these situations vary, the question of mental health always comes up; and when we talk about mental illness and suicide, it immediately creates a unique challenge for believers. The question is “Why?” Why is it uniquely challenging for us to address issues often associated with mental illness?

We hope to see your congregation represented. You can bring up to six (6) members to the training.