Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has been named the patron of a Christian mental health charity. 

Announcing the latest appointment, Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, which equips the Church to support mental health and wellbeing, said that Welby "lends his profile and support to Sanctuary as part of an ongoing relationship to raise awareness about our work, especially in the UK".

The charity is based in British Columbia, Canada.

Welby said:

"God wants each of us to be able to flourish. Delighted to be a patron of @SanctuaryMH - praying their resources will help the church and Christians respond to mental health challenges with compassion, particularly as we recover from the impact of the pandemic." 

Sanctuary's CEO Daniel Whitehead added: “Our respect for Archbishop Justin is inspired not only by the office that he holds, but also his openness about his lived experience of mental health challenges. He exemplifies the kind of leadership the Church needs, marked by vulnerability and compassion.

"In addition, Archbishop Justin’s commitment to ecumenism mirrors Sanctuary’s commitment to the whole body of Christ. We couldn't have wished for a better patron, and we are overjoyed to welcome him as Sanctuary’s first.”