Anchored in hope

 Equipping churches and communities to support mental wellness

 

Anchor International

is a Christ-centered organization dedicated to helping people affected by mental health struggles find support and belonging in their local faith communities. We do this by equipping churches and ministries to host peer-led support groups, because we believe all people can find hope and healing in the midst of mental and emotional health struggles.

“I was in a very dark and lonely place, and having a community that I could count on made the world of a difference for me.”

 

 

 

 

 

Mental health is in crisis, yet the pain is often invisible.

%

1 in 5 adults in the U.S. are experiencing a diagnosable mental health disorder

%

1 in 6 youth in the U.S. are experiencing a diagnosable mental health disorder

Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among young people worldwide
For many, the local church is not seen as a safe haven for mental health.
1 in 3 young adults in the U.S. feel they would not be welcome in their local church if they had a mental health diagnosis.
Anchor International is helping to change that.

Anchor International helps faith communities engage in mental health ministry through peer-led support groups. With our proven support group models and comprehensive facilitator training, a growing number of churches are meeting deep emotional needs for people affected by mental health struggles.

“The Overcome meetings helped me overcome the pain from my childhood that I could not seem to face. The conversations that I call ‘real talk’ made me realize that I am valued, needed, and loved. The small group provided a safe place to discover my worth. I loved the people who shared this space with me and the facilitator who was our guiding light. I shall never forget this awesome experience.”

Overcome Group Member, Texas

“Fearless is an amazing program that encourages students in bettering their mental, emotional, and spiritual health through community. It was so amazing to have time dedicated to discussing these things with a community of people that I care about and that I know cares about me. I went into Fearless kind of hesitant, not knowing what to expect, but I figured I’d try it out. I learned so much about myself, other people, and how to effectively care for myself and others. Fearless was a great experience, and I hope more people get a chance to experience it. “

Fearless Group Member, Colorado

Free Training

Equipping you to facilitate a mental health support group

Leading a mental health support group is a special calling, and it takes a unique set of skills to provide peer support for both faith and mental health. This is why Anchor International is dedicated to equipping facilitators through our simple yet comprehensive facilitator training program.

Step 1. Application

After your church has connected with Anchor International (contact form below), you’ll provide each of your group facilitators with the non-public link to apply for our free online training program. 

Step 2. Online Training

Our video-based facilitator training program is located in our community portal, along with additional courses, videos, and group materials. The training takes about 2 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace. 

Step 3. Certification Video Call

Upon completion of the online training, you’ll meet with our Volunteer Coordinator for a Certification Video Call as a final step for certification. This live video call is required for all facilitators as a safety precaution and to answer any questions you have before leading your first group.

Our Programs

Life-changing groups to impact your church and community

Anchor International provides four distinct support group curricula for individuals walking through mental and emotional health challenges and/or their supporters. Led by trained facilitators, these groups provide an opportunity for people to find safe community, encourage one another in their walks of faith, and pursue mental wellness.

Our curricula has been developed through a collaboration of faith leaders and mental health professionals with diverse backgrounds, church denominations, and areas of expertise. By following our Anchors of Wellness model, our groups help keep members anchored in faith, community, and hope.

Overcome cover
Overcome: 8-week Support Group Curriculum

Meeting Length: 90 minutes

Group Size: 2 facilitators, 2-10 group members

Description: Overcome is an 8-week group experience for anyone pursuing mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Under the guidance of trained peer facilitators, group members meet weekly in a small group setting that emphasizes safety and respect while exploring biblical truths about hope in the midst of suffering. 

Anchor Groups: Drop-in Support Group Model

Meeting Length: 90 minutes

Group Size: 2 facilitators, 2-10 group members

Facilitator Guide: Click here to preview

Description: Anchor groups are open, ongoing support groups for individuals affected by mental health challenges and/or their supporters. Led by trained peer facilitators, Anchor groups provide an opportunity for people to find safe community, encourage one another in their walks of faith, and pursue mental wellness. Please note: We recommend starting with the Overcome program before launching drop-in Anchor groups.

Fearless: 8-week Group Curriculum for Youth

Meeting Length: 60-90 minutes

Group Size: 2 facilitators, 2-8 youth

Facilitator Guide: Click here to preview

Description: Fearless is a strengths-based group experience designed to help young people pursue mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual wellness. This 8-week program provides teenagers with a safe space to explore the concept of wellness in the context of their faith. Ideal for after-school and youth group settings, Fearless equips teens with practical skills to overcome challenges and thrive in the midst of a changing world.

Fierce Love: 8-week Support Group Curriculum for Moms

Meeting Length: 90 minutes

Group Size: 2 facilitators, 2-10 group members

Facilitator Guide: Click here to preview

Description: In partnership with MOPS International, the Fierce Love Collective: What To Do With the Big Emotions of Motherhood is an 8-week small group study designed to support mental health for mothers of young children. This group is for any mom who has experienced baby blues, postpartum depression, anxiety, scary thoughts, mood disorders, and everything in between.

Connect with our team

If you're interested in hosting groups at your church or organization, please complete the form below. For other inquiries or to submit your facilitator training application, please click here to contact us.