Flourishing Together with Compassion and Connection on ‘Blue Monday’

Blue Monday, often described as the “most depressing day of the year,” offers an important moment for churches across the Diocese of Llandaff to speak hope, truth and encouragement into the lives of those who may be struggling. It’s opportunity to highlight the Christian call to care for one another.

The Church recognises that ministry and everyday life can be deeply rewarding, yet also emotionally demanding. As outlined in the diocesan clergy wellbeing leaflet, many people, clergy and lay alike, carry significant responsibilities and the weight of others’ expectations.

The Church continues to encourage practices that nurture spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing, especially the simple but powerful act of supporting and caring for one another. Healthy rhythms of rest, honest conversations, and mutual encouragement help us stay grounded, while trusted companions in faith can offer guidance, prayer and perspective when life feels heavy. Alongside this, confidential support is always available through organisations such as Cynnal, the Clergy Support Trust and St Luke’s for Clergy, ensuring no one has to face difficult moments alone.

The Flourish project, which promotes a culture of wellbeing in schools across the diocese, continues to encourage churches to become communities where people can be honest about their struggles and confident they will be met with compassion, not judgement. Recent reporting from the BBC highlights how Flourish has already helped children grow in confidence, build friendships and develop resilience, from learning to speak up, to stepping into new activities, to discovering it’s OK to make mistakes and ask for help. These stories underline the project’s core message: wellbeing flourishes in environments of encouragement, teamwork and trust. In that same spirit, Flourish emphasises that wellbeing is not a luxury but a shared responsibility rooted in Christian discipleship, a commitment to caring for one another and helping each other recognise our God‑given worth.

Rev’d Canon Tim Jones, Director of Ministry and Discipleship, says:

“Sometimes when we’re down, we’re in danger of believing the fibs. The fibs might be told by other people, but all too often they’re fibs that we tell ourselves. ‘Everything is going wrong.’ ‘Nobody likes me.’ ‘I’m no good at anything.’ In fact, hearing the fibs, and giving weight to the fibs, are key symptoms of the slide towards poorer mental health.

Don’t believe the lies. Speak to people who can remind you of what’s true in your life. And when others come to us for support because they’re feeling down, resist the temptation to join in the negative moan, that everything is rubbish. Tell the truth: while there are all kinds of problems, whether personal or global, we all have strengths and gifts for which we are appreciated, and there’s lots that’s good to be glad about. Our problems and imperfections really don’t define us. A key insight of the Christian faith is that we’re actually defined by God’s love for us: that’s the true context for our life.

When we’re down, some of us will best find help from skilled therapists, who can help us recognise the fibs for what they are. Most of us can have our mood lifted by positive, honest encounters, with people we respect, like or love. So have a January Jam to beat the January Blues: share the love, and share the truth.”

This message echoes the reassurance found in Scripture: “The Lord is near to the broken‑hearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). The Church’s hope is that no one feels they must face difficult days alone.

On Blue Monday, the Diocese encourages everyone to reach out, to check in with a friend, to speak honestly about how they are feeling, and to offer kindness wherever it is needed.

Small acts of connection can make a profound difference.

For more information on wellbeing support or clergy resources, contact: Tim Jones, Director of Ministry and Discipleship, timjones@churchinwales.org.uk