Keeping It Together – Details, episodes & analysis

Have you ever wondered why some things in scripture feel like the opposite of Christianity?

Rachel and Dave discuss some controversial Psalms and some personal stories too.

Keeping It Together began as a network of clergy and others in Christian ministry accessing quality input from professionals and supporting one another. This podcast is an extension of that ministry.

You can find more info at https://www.connectnetwork.uk/keeping-it-together

The work of KIT is funded by the Henry Smith Charity through Sunderland Connect.

Following an online workshop with sleep specialist Steve Smith, Dave and Rachel reflect on the content and some of the specific encouragements that he brought.

Steve Smith is a qualified GP and sleep specialist, running workshops and seminars. You can access his resources at www.livefromrest.com/sleep-webinar

Keeping It Together began as a network of clergy and others in Christian ministry accessing quality input from professionals and supporting one another, this podcast is an extension of that ministry.

You can find more info at https://www.connectnetwork.uk/keeping-it-together

The work of KIT is funded by the Henry Smith Charity through Sunderland Connect.

We are joined by a special guest, Phil Conn, to talk about how the church can engage with homelessness, isolation, and trauma.

Phil leads Hope Vineyard Church in Sunderland with his wife Vicky. Prior to working for the church he had a long career in the charity sector, latterly working for the Christian Homelessness organisation Oasis Community Housing. Phil has specialised in working with people who endure multiple disadvantage and overlapping challenges and has long held the belief that homelessness is most often a symptom and that to address the need we have to consider the cause. Phil is a firm advocate of trauma informed care and is passionate about the role of the local church as a solution to the problems that exist in the world around us, and crucially it's function in inviting encounter with Jesus who has come to bring us life to the full.

Some resources available to you:

homeless.org.uk - find out what’s already available in your area

oasiscommunityhousing.org

hopeintoaction.org.uk 

greenpastures.org.uk

Keeping It Together began as a network of clergy and others in Christian ministry accessing quality input from professionals and supporting one another, this podcast is an extension of that ministry.

You can find more info at https://www.connectnetwork.uk/keeping-it-together

The work of KIT is funded by the Henry Smith Charity through Sunderland Connect.

During this episode Dave and Rachel consider Paul's relationship with mental health and gain some fantastic insight through his letter to the Romans.

Keeping It Together began as a network of clergy and others in Christian ministry accessing quality input from professionals and supporting one another, this podcast is an extension of that ministry.

You can find more info at https://www.connectnetwork.uk/keeping-it-together

The work of KIT is funded by the Henry Smith Charity through Sunderland Connect.

Episode 1 of the Keeping It Together Podcast has landed and Dave Burke brings some reflections on how we can identify with and access the kind of peace that Jesus offers.

Keeping It Together began as a network of clergy and others in Christian ministry accessing quality input from professionals and supporting one another, this podcast is an extension of that ministry.

You can find more info at https://www.connectnetwork.uk/keeping-it-together

The work of KIT is funded by the Henry Smith Charity through Sunderland Connect.

In this episode, Dave & Rachel open with the question, Would you survive a zombie apocalypse? They dive into trauma, living in survival mode, and how to manage trauma in the first instance.

Check out more information about Keeping It Together on Dave's website, https://daveburketraining.com/keeping-it-together/

We are funded by Henry Smith through Shepherds Dene Retreat Centre, more info can be found here: https://shepherdsdene.org/

In this episode, Dave and Rachel dive into the latest data around mental health and ask why we're seeing such increases, from a Christian perspective.

The data that we discuss can be found here:  https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jun/26/young-people-england-common-mental-health-conditions-nhs-survey

Check out more information about Keeping It Together on Dave's website, https://daveburketraining.com/keeping-it-together/

We are funded by Henry Smith through Shepherds Dene Retreat Centre, more info can be found here: https://shepherdsdene.org/

In today's episode, we're going back to basics with Dr Hilary Johnson.

Rachel and Dr Hilary spend some time unpacking the basics of anxiety. Scripture is full of instructions like "do not fear," and yet it remains such a challenge for many of us.

Bringing her wealth of expertise as an experienced Clinical Psychiatrist working primarily with children, including those with intellectual disabilities, Dr Hilary talks with Rachel about anxiety and how we can consider its impact on our spiritual journey as well as our mental health.

Keeping It Together began as a network of clergy and others in Christian ministry accessing quality input from professionals and supporting one another. This podcast is an extension of that ministry.

The work of KIT is funded by the Henry Smith Charity through Shepherds Dene Retreat House, you can find out more at shepherdsdene.org