Our new dynamic Catholic parliamentarian, Sojan Joseph, Labour MP for Ashford, delivered the Catholic Union’s first pub talk of 2026. Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, journalist and author. Earlier that day Sojan, a senior mental health nurse, had been at a Brew Monday reception at No 10 Downing Street.
Sojan’s talk covered a number of areas including the role that the Church can and does play in helping those struggling with their mental health, particularly at parish level with youth activities to curtail isolation. The discussion focused on how parity of esteem between physical and mental health could be achieved. An intake of MPs with front line experience, such as nursing, was deemed to be crucial for voices to be heard and thus change to occur.
The Chair of the Samaritans, Keith Leslie, who attended the talk, agreed with Sojan that mental health, including suicide, was not the sole responsibility of the NHS or government, but that it was everybody’s responsibility and an concerted effort to have more face to face contact post pandemic was essential for well being. Sojan reflected on his own experience as a new MP and the demands of the role ranging from constituency service to offering expertise on Select Committees. He celebrated the nation’s Catholic community and what it offers wider society.
Sojan Joseph was elected as Labour MP for Ashford in July 2024. Born in Kerala, he emigrated to England and before entering Parliament he worked as an NHS mental health nurse and was head of nursing for community mental health services at Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust. He was appointed as Vice President of the Catholic Union last year, to serve alongside Baroness Hollins, President.
The Catholic Union’s next pub talk will be on Monday 2 February with Margaret and Barry Mizen, Founders of the Mizen Foundation. Chaired by Catherine Pepinster, the theme will be Forgiveness, Peace and Hope. All are welcome but booking is required.
