Health and Wellbeing
Church Worker and Family Wellness and Support Program
The LCA is committed to the ongoing wellbeing of our church workers. We provide a Christ-centred Wellness and Support Program through Empatia. This is available to all pastors, all employees and lay workers paid through HRS, New Zealand-paid church workers, and employees of some Lutheran entities. Immediate family members living at the same address are also included.
To learn more, see our Wellness and Support Program webpage. To make an appointment, please go to Empatia's booking page.
Emotional wellbeing resources
Here are links to two reputable organisations who deal particularly with mental wellbeing that have some great resources and tips:
Australian support
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 – Crisis mental health support for adults
- Headspace – Mental health support and information for 12–25-year-olds
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – Mental health support for kids, teens, young adults, parents and carers, and schools and teachers
- Local state and territory health departments
New Zealand support
- Ministry of Health Wellbeing at Level 4 – New Zealand Government information and resources
- Lifeline Aotearoa – 0800 543 354 – Crisis mental health support and information and resources
- Kidsline – 0800 543 754 – Phone counselling for kids up to 18 years
Financial Wellbeing
- Beyond Blue – has a page about financial wellbeing
- National Debt Helpline – they’re not a lender and don’t ‘sell’ anything or make money from you. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service.
Self-care
The Black Dog Institute has developed a really good resource on the importance of self-care and how to plan to practise self-care. The resource briefly explains aspects of self-care and provides information and templates to help individuals create a self-care plan. You can access the resource here.
Physical wellbeing resources
The most reliable sources of information about public health are our governments’ health departments.
- New Zealand Ministry of Health
- Australian Government Department of Health
Staying fit and healthy
Please remember this is general advice only. Consult with your medical practitioner before embarking on a new fitness regime and take underlying health issues into consideration.
- Exercise Right – Exercise Right is a public awareness campaign created by Exercise & Sports Science Australia. They aim to inspire all Australians to be healthier and more active.
- Active & Healthy – Active & Healthy is a web-based resource directory of community physical activity fall prevention programs and general physical activity programs for adults aged 50 years and over.
- National Heart Foundation
Spiritual wellbeing resources
- The LCA Daily Devotion page has daily devotions to help you grow in faith. You can sign up for these or read them online.
- The Dwelling in the Word column has some great personal Bible reflections.
- The Bible Reading Plan helps you read through the Bible.
- Lectio 365 is a free daily devotional resource and app that helps you pray the Bible every day
- St Ignatius of Loyola's Daily Prayer of Examen is a model for daily reflective prayer
General wellbeing resources
The Black Dog Institute provides some good information and resources to help with your general wellbeing.
The 5 Ways to Wellbeing Australia website offers resources for five simple and effective ways to improve your wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Be Aware and Help Others.
Wellbeing working from home
With more and more of us now working from home at least some of the time, it is important that our home office is safe and free of risks to our health.
Here are some downloadable resources to assist you in setting up a home office space where you can work efficiently and safely:
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