EST

Mental Health and Caring Communities

Bakalaureus

Magister

Mental Health and Caring Communities

3 ECTS/EAP
Adrian Sarbu, Karmen Maikalu, Meego Remmel
7.-11. January
The course is for MA and PhD students and lecturers.
Syllabus / Ainekava
Registration / registreeri

Welcome to join for the BIP on Mental Health and Caring Communities

(AD2026)
This five-day international training brings together students and lecturers from across Europe to explore how Christian faith communities can respond to today’s mental health challenges with wisdom, compassion, and hope. Participants will learn to understand key mental health issues, develop basic listening and crisis support skills, and envision practical ways to nurture mental well-being in their congregations. The program combines lectures, workshops, site visits, and shared worship to create a rich learning and spiritual experience. Discover how caring communities of faith can become places of healing and restoration in a hurting world.

Location: Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary, Koskla 18, Tallinn.

Dates: January 7 – 11
Teachers: Meego Remmel (KUS, Estonia), Adrian Sarbu (University of Bucharest, Romania), Karmen Maikalu (Estonia), and others
Course Fee: The cost is 135 euros (includes training, coffee breaks and one dinner.) For Erasmus participants the training is free of charge.

Learning outcomes
For the end of the cause participants.

  1. Understand key mental health challenges and how they relate to Christian faith and pastoral care.
  2. Able to practice basic skills in listening and crisis support to help individuals struggling with mental health issues.
  3. Envision practical ways to foster mental well-being within their faith communities and support networks.

Accommodation

at Kreutzwald Hotel Tallinn

We have secured a limited number of rooms at a fixed rate for 7–11 January 2026 at Kreutzwald Hotel in Tallinn.

How to book

  • Email:
    reserv@uhotelsgroup.com
 
  • The booking keyword: Mention BIP (must be made by email only).
 
  • Booking deadline:
    21 December 2025
___________
Please note that reservations with this keyword must be made via e-mail only, do not use third parties or our website, where this keyword cannot be used.

PROGRAM

  • Wednesday  |  January 7
    – Arrival and Introduction
    Theme: Why Is Mental Health Important from a Christian Perspective?
    Opening Module: A Christian View on Mental Health 
  • 16:00–18:00 Participant arrival, registration, and accommodation
  • 18:00–19:30 Dinner together and introductory circle
  • 19:30–21:00 Opening Module: A Christian View on Mental Health
      – Welcome and opening prayer: Einike Pilli
      – Introduction to the training objectives: Meego Remmel
      – Panel discussion: “Why Should Christians Engage with Mental Health Issues?”
      – Speakers: Meego Remmel leads conversation with Karmen Maikalu, Adrian Sarbu
  • Thursday  |  January 8
    – Contemporary Mental Health Challenges in Europe
    Theme: Clinical Psychology and Mental Well-Being
    Lecture: “Anxiety and Depression – A Crisis in Contemporary Society”
    Seminar: “How Can Christian Communities Support Vulnerable Individuals?”
    Case studies and group discussions
    Institutional Visit: Visit to a psychosocial counseling organization
  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Anxiety and Depression – A Crisis in Contemporary Society”
             – Lecturer: Karmen Maikalu
  •  11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  •  11:30–13:00 Seminar: “How Can Christian Communities Support Vulnerable Individuals?”
             – Case studies and group discussions:   
               > How can Christian communities support people with traumas and mental problems in the middle of war tragedies? – Valentin Siniy
               > Building up Mentally Healthy Christian Roma Communities – Mihail Ciopasiu, Romania. 
  • 13:00–14:30 Lunch time
  • 14:30–16:30 Insights to Estonian psychosocial counselling organizations: 
    –     Kristiina Krabi-Klanberg: ‘Friend to Friend’ & Counseling Center in Tallinn
    – Katrin Aaslav-Tepandi: Chief Chaplain at Ministry of Social Affairs & Chaplain at North Estonia Medical Centre Foundation
  • 16:30–19:00 Free time
  • 19:00–20:30 Old town tour
  • 20:45 Optional movie night
  • Friday  |  January 9
    – Suicide and Crisis Intervention
    Theme: Suicidal Thoughts and the Possibility of Hope
    Lecture: “Why Do People Lose Hope? Causes and Prevention of Suicide”
    Workshops: “Christian Resources in the Midst of Crisis”
    Group discussions: How churches and faith communities can support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts
    Discussion and Sharing Evening: “Caring for One’s Own Mental Health – Personal Testimonies, Practical Tips, Prayerful Reflections”
  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Why Do People Lose Hope? Causes and Prevention of Suicide”
                     – Lecturer: Adrian Sarbu
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Workshops: “Christian Resources in the Midst of Crisis”   
                      – Group discussions: How churches and faith communities
                         can support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts
  • 13:00–19:00 Free time
  • 19:00–21:00 Sharing & Prayer Evening: “Caring for One’s Own Mental Health – Personal Testimonies, Practical Tips, Prayerful Reflections”, including a conversation with Jonathan Clerke on forgiveness and mental health
  • Saturday  |  January 10
    – Pastoral Care and Mental Health in the Community
    Theme: Christian Pastoral Care and Holistic Healing
    Lecture: “Pastoral Care as a Support for Mental Health”
    Practical Workshop: “The Art of Listening – How to Support a Person in Crisis?”
    Panel Discussion: “Building a Mentally Healthy Christian Community”.
    “How Can We Be a Light in the Darkness?”
  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Pastoral-theological conversation: “Pastoral Care as a Support for Mental Health”
             – Speakers: Meego Remmel & Edgars Mazis
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Practical Workshop: “The Art of Listening – How to Support a Person in Crisis?”
              – Lecturer: Edgars Mazis
  • 13:00–16:30 Free time
  • 16:30–18:00 Panel Discussion: “Building a Mentally Healthy Christian Community”.
                – Panel led by Meego Remmel,
                – participants: Einike Pilli, Benjamin Uhrin, Sorin Badragan
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner together
  • 19:00–21:00 Final Evening with Testimonies and Thanksgiving Prayer and Final Reflections – “The Message of Hope – How Can We Be a Light in the Darkness?”
  • Sunday  |  January 11
    – Worship and Conclusion
    Theme: The Church as a Place of Healing
    Participation and Contribution to Sunday Worship Service 
  • 11:00–13:00 Participation and Contribution to Sunday Worship Service
             – Opportunity for participants to read Scriptures, pray, share
               testimonies, preach, serve in intercessory prayers
  • 13:00–… Departures

Theme: Why Is Mental Health Important from a Christian Perspective?

  • 16:00–18:00 Participant arrival, registration, and accommodation
  • 18:00–19:30 Dinner and introductory session
  • 19:30–21:00 Opening Module: A Christian View on Mental Health
      – Welcome and opening prayer: Einike Pilli
      – Introduction to the training objectives: Meego Remmel
      – Panel discussion: “Why Should Christians Engage with Mental Health Issues?”
      – Speakers: Meego Remmel leads conversation with Karmen Maikalu, Adrian Sarbu

Theme: Clinical Psychology and Mental Well-Being

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Anxiety and Depression – A Crisis in Contemporary Society”
             – Lecturer: Karmen Maikalu
  •  11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  •  11:30–13:00 Seminar: “How Can Christian Communities Support Vulnerable Individuals?”
             -Case studies and group discussions, including: Valentin Siniy, How can Christian communities support people with traumas and mental problems in the middle of war tragedies?; Ragne Ülevain, Touchable church for untouched people (via sinuabi.ee ‘your help dot ee’);
  • 13:00–14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00–16:00 Study Tour:Estonian psychosocial counseling organizations: 
    –     Kristiina Krabi: ‘Friend to Friend’ & Counseling Center in Tallinn
    – Katrin Aaslav-Tepandi: PERH Hiiu Clinic in Tallinn (Hiiu str. 44)
  • 18:00–20:00 Dinner & social event

Theme: Suicidal Thoughts and the Possibility of Hope

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Why Do People Lose Hope? Causes and Prevention of Suicide”
                     – Lecturer: Adrian Sarbu
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Workshops: “Christian Resources in the Midst of Crisis”   
                      – Group discussions: How churches and faith communities can support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts
  • 13:00–18:00 Lunch and city walks
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner
  • 19:30–21:00 Sharing & Prayer Evening: “Caring for One’s Own Mental Health – Personal Testimonies, Practical Tips, Prayerful Reflections”, including a conversation with Jonathan Clerke on forgiveness and mental health (video-call)

Theme: Christian Pastoral Care and Holistic Healing

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Pastoral-theological conversation: “Pastoral Care as a Support for Mental Health”
  •                     – Speakers: Meego Remmel & Edgars Mazis
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Practical Workshop: “The Art of Listening – How to Support a Person in Crisis?”
    – Lecturer: Karmen Maikalu
  • 13:00–16:30 Lunch and free time
  • 16:30–18:00 Final Reflections. Panel Discussion: “Building a Mentally Healthy Christian Community”.
  •                     – Panel led by Meego Remmel, participants: Dalibor Kraljik, Einike Pilli, Benjamin Uhrin, Sorin Badragan
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner
  • 19:00–21:00 Final Evening with Testimonies and Thanksgiving Prayer and Final Reflections – “The Message of Hope – How Can We Be a Light in the Darkness?”

Theme: The Church as a Place of Healing

  • 11:00–13:00 Participation and Contribution to Sunday Worship Service
                     – Opportunity for participants to read Scriptures, pray, share testimonies, preach, serve in intercessory prayers
  • 13:00–15:00 Lunch and departures
Syllabus / Ainekava
Registration / registreeri

AD2026

Location: Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary, Koskla 18, Tallinn.
Dates: January 7 – 11
Teachers: Meego Remmel (KUS, Estonia), Adrian Sarbu (University of Bucharest, Romania), Karmen Maikalu (Estonia), and others
Course Fee: The cost is 135 euros (includes training, coffee breaks and one dinner.) For Erasmus participants the training is free of charge.

Learning outcomes
For the end of the cause participants.

  1. Understand key mental health challenges and how they relate to Christian faith and pastoral care.
  2. know and apply basic skills in listening and crisis support to help individuals struggling with mental health issues.
  3. Envision and plan practical ways to foster mental well-being within their faith communities and support networks.

Accommodation

at Kreutzwald Hotel Tallinn

We have secured a limited number of rooms at a fixed rate for 7–11 January 2026 at Kreutzwald Hotel in Tallinn.

How to book

  • Email:
    reserv@uhotelsgroup.com
 
  • The booking keyword: Mention BIP (must be made by email only).
 
  • Booking deadline:
    21 December 2025
___________
Please note that reservations with this keyword must be made via e-mail only, do not use third parties or our website, where this keyword cannot be used.

PROGRAM (study flow)

  • Wednesday  |  January 7
    –     Arrival and Introduction
    Theme: Why Is Mental Health Important from a Christian Perspective?
    Opening Module: A Christian View on Mental Health

  • Thursday  |  January 8
    – Contemporary Mental Health Challenges in Europe
    Theme: Clinical Psychology and Mental Well-Being
    Lecture: “Anxiety and Depression – A Crisis in Contemporary Society”
    Seminar: “How Can Christian Communities Support Vulnerable Individuals?”
    Case studies and group discussions
    Institutional Visit: Visit to a psychosocial counseling organization

  • Friday  |  January 9
    – Suicide and Crisis Intervention
    Theme: Suicidal Thoughts and the Possibility of Hope
    Lecture: “Why Do People Lose Hope? Causes and Prevention of Suicide”
    Workshops: “Christian Resources in the Midst of Crisis”
    Group discussions: How churches and faith communities can support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts
    Discussion and Sharing Evening: “Caring for One’s Own Mental Health – Personal Testimonies, Practical Tips, Prayerful Reflections” 

  • Saturday  |  January 10
    – Pastoral Care and Mental Health in the Community
    Theme: Christian Pastoral Care and Holistic Healing
    Lecture: “Pastoral Care as a Support for Mental Health”
    Practical Workshop: “The Art of Listening – How to Support a Person in Crisis?”
    Panel Discussion: “Building a Mentally Healthy Christian Community”.
    “How Can We Be a Light in the Darkness?” 

  • Sunday  |  January 11
    – Worship and Conclusion
    Theme: The Church as a Place of Healing
    Participation and Contribution to Sunday Worship Service 

PROGRAM (study flow)

  • Wednesday  |  January 7
    –     Arrival and Introduction
    Theme: Why Is Mental Health Important from a Christian Perspective?
    Opening Module: A Christian View on Mental Health

     

  • Thursday  |  January 8
    – Contemporary Mental Health Challenges in Europe
    Theme: Clinical Psychology and Mental Well-Being
    Lecture: “Anxiety and Depression – A Crisis in Contemporary Society”
    Seminar: “How Can Christian Communities Support Vulnerable Individuals?”
    Case studies and group discussions
    Institutional Visit: Visit to a psychosocial counseling organization
  • Friday  |  January 9
    – Suicide and Crisis Intervention
    Theme: Suicidal Thoughts and the Possibility of Hope
    Lecture: “Why Do People Lose Hope? Causes and Prevention of Suicide”
    Workshops: “Christian Resources in the Midst of Crisis”
    Group discussions: How churches and faith communities can support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts
    Discussion and Sharing Evening: “Caring for One’s Own Mental Health – Personal Testimonies, Practical Tips, Prayerful Reflections”
  • Saturday  |  January 10
    – Pastoral Care and Mental Health in the Community
    Theme: Christian Pastoral Care and Holistic Healing
    Lecture: “Pastoral Care as a Support for Mental Health”
    Practical Workshop: “The Art of Listening – How to Support a Person in Crisis?”
    Panel Discussion: “Building a Mentally Healthy Christian Community”.
    “How Can We Be a Light in the Darkness?”
  • Sunday  |  January 11
    – Worship and Conclusion
    Theme: The Church as a Place of Healing
    Participation and Contribution to Sunday Worship Service 

Theme: Why Is Mental Health Important from a Christian Perspective?

  • 16:00–18:00 Participant arrival, registration, and accommodation
  • 18:00–19:30 Dinner and introductory session
  • 19:30–21:00 Opening Module: A Christian View on Mental Health
      – Welcome and opening prayer: Einike Pilli
      – Introduction to the training objectives: Meego Remmel
      – Panel discussion: “Why Should Christians Engage with Mental Health Issues?”
      – Speakers: Meego Remmel leads conversation with Karmen Maikalu, Adrian Sarbu

Theme: Clinical Psychology and Mental Well-Being

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Anxiety and Depression – A Crisis in Contemporary Society”
             – Lecturer: Karmen Maikalu
  •  11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  •  11:30–13:00 Seminar: “How Can Christian Communities Support Vulnerable Individuals?”
             -Case studies and group discussions, including: Valentin Siniy, How can Christian communities support people with traumas and mental problems in the middle of war tragedies?; Ragne Ülevain, Touchable church for untouched people (via sinuabi.ee ‘your help dot ee’);
  • 13:00–14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00–16:00 Study Tour:Estonian psychosocial counseling organizations: 
    –     Kristiina Krabi: ‘Friend to Friend’ & Counseling Center in Tallinn
    – Katrin Aaslav-Tepandi: PERH Hiiu Clinic in Tallinn (Hiiu str. 44)
  • 18:00–20:00 Dinner & social event

Theme: Suicidal Thoughts and the Possibility of Hope

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Why Do People Lose Hope? Causes and Prevention of Suicide”
                     – Lecturer: Adrian Sarbu
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Workshops: “Christian Resources in the Midst of Crisis”   
                      – Group discussions: How churches and faith communities can support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts
  • 13:00–18:00 Lunch and city walks
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner
  • 19:30–21:00 Sharing & Prayer Evening: “Caring for One’s Own Mental Health – Personal Testimonies, Practical Tips, Prayerful Reflections”, including a conversation with Jonathan Clerke on forgiveness and mental health (video-call)

Theme: Christian Pastoral Care and Holistic Healing

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Pastoral-theological conversation: “Pastoral Care as a Support for Mental Health”
  •                     – Speakers: Meego Remmel & Edgars Mazis
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Practical Workshop: “The Art of Listening – How to Support a Person in Crisis?”
    – Lecturer: Karmen Maikalu
  • 13:00–16:30 Lunch and free time
  • 16:30–18:00 Final Reflections. Panel Discussion: “Building a Mentally Healthy Christian Community”.
  •                     – Panel led by Meego Remmel, participants: Dalibor Kraljik, Einike Pilli, Benjamin Uhrin, Sorin Badragan
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner
  • 19:00–21:00 Final Evening with Testimonies and Thanksgiving Prayer and Final Reflections – “The Message of Hope – How Can We Be a Light in the Darkness?”

Theme: The Church as a Place of Healing

  • 11:00–13:00 Participation and Contribution to Sunday Worship Service
                     – Opportunity for participants to read Scriptures, pray, share testimonies, preach, serve in intercessory prayers
  • 13:00–15:00 Lunch and departures