White Ribbon Day 2017 in Llanidloes

Suzanne Iuppa (left) PAVO Community Connector, & Fleur Frantz-Morgans of
Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre

White Ribbon Campaign UK is part of a global movement to put a stop to male violence against women and girls.

On the 25th November, the world marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day. From then until the 10th December, we encourage everybody to take part in the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. 

Suzanne is the PAVO Community Connector covering Llanidloes and District, working with adults to access the services, information and support that they need to maintain an independent life. She wanted to bring the White Ribbon message to her patch: “We will be addressing men and making them feel good about themselves, more confident about stating their opinions and talking through problems, as well as supporting women.”

So, keen to find out more myself, I joined Suzanne and Fleur Frantz-Morgans of Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre in Llanidloes last Saturday, on the coldest weekend of the year so far. Sustained by hot mulled apple juice, mince pies, and extra layers, we spent half a day chatting to local people – most of whom had never heard of the campaign – though with a couple of key exceptions – more below. Our market stall, sandwiched between local political activists and a fruit and veg trader with a healthy sideline in log snowmen and santas, was well placed for the three of us to engage with shoppers stocking up on fresh bread or catching up with friends.

Our aim was to promote:

• The White Ribbon Campaign and issues around domestic abuse.
• The service provided by MFCC in North Powys.
• The ask me scheme run by Women’s Aid in partnership with Welsh Women’s Aid. 

Members of Llanidloes Rotary Club show their support for White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Campaign

"To wear a White Ribbon is to pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence. Our message to men is to practice tolerance, respect and kindness, and to stand up against male violence, bullying and sexism in all forms".

White Ribbon was founded in 2007, and around 500 men in the UK are now White Ribbon Ambassadors. The organisation provides training and outreach to local authorities, groups and clubs. There is even a White Ribbon All Party Parliamentary Group of MPs, plus sports and trade union campaigns to help spread the word.

"To end violence against women we need a culture change. We need people to speak out and condemn it. So, one of the most important things you can do is to talk about it, especially to the uninitiated, unaware and unconvinced".

Finding out about White Ribbon Day

Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre

“MFCC aims to reduce the risk of domestic abuse and to positively change the lives of our clients by providing specialist support and guidance; encouraging clients not only to survive, but to thrive from their experiences, enabling them to move on to develop healthy, respectful relationships in the future”.

Fleur is a Community Liaison Officer at MFCC and one of her key roles is to raise awareness that help is at hand in North Powys for anyone experiencing domestic abuse – both men and women. From 2014 – 2015 a total of 829 incidents of domestic violence were reported to the police in Powys, and over half were from Montgomeryshire. The charity has access to safe emergency accommodation where people can take temporary refuge, access support and advice and take time to decide on next steps. The Haven is a refuge for women and Davis House is for men. Both take adults with accompanying children. Referrals could come from the police, voluntary agencies or from people experiencing crisis themselves.

One of the support workers from the male refuge joined us briefly in Great Oak Street to tell us more about her role. “Some men come in with literally nothing. We provide a welcome pack with toiletries, food and clothing. We take people to the food bank if they have to wait before receiving benefits. They might need a solicitor or counselling – we give them help with whatever they need.” The residents then live independently in the refuge – “we support but don’t care for people.”

The support worker explained that the residents are also extremely supportive of each other. They could be in the refuge anything from a few weeks to a year depending on individual circumstances. “All have mental health problems because of the effect of the abuse. At the very least they have stress and anxiety, and many are depressed.” People can be referred for counselling and other sources of support such as specialist counselling relating to sexual abuse or misuse of drugs and alcohol.

The 24 hour crisis line for MFCC is: 01686 629114. Once the office is closed for the day the staff become on call workers, calls are diverted to the Live Fear Free helpline  – a Wales-wide service for victims of domestic or sexual abuse, they support any out of area callers, signposting them to the services in their area and forwarding any local emergencies to the MFCC on call worker, workers regularly bring local emergencies into the safe houses, day and night, MFCC are on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for the residents of North Powys.

Maggie Fitzpatrick-Reeves (left) ask me ambassador, with Fleur

ask me scheme 

As if by magic the next person to show up alongside the Town Hall in Llanidloes was Maggie Fitzpatrick-Reeves, who is an ask me ambassador in North Powys. Maggie told me that her role is to raise awareness of domestic abuse in the community. “Most people think the abuse is mainly about physical violence, but less than 1 in 6 incidents are violence-related, the rest are cases of psychological and emotional abuse”. After attending a two day course recently in the town Maggie is able to challenge myths likes this and also said that people now confide in her. She knows how to signpost victims to expert advice and support – how to keep both them and herself safe.

The ask me scheme breaks the silence about domestic abuse within a community, and removes the barriers that make it hard for survivors to tell others about their experiences.

Fleur explained that "people experiencing domestic abuse can feel a sense of loss and even guilt at the thought of leaving family and friends behind, or for taking children away from loved ones, their friends and school, even pets, it can be an exceptionally hard decision. This can be made even harder when abusers, someone they have feeling for, apologise for their behaviour and make promises that the abuse will never happen again. One minute victims may suffer terrible emotional and physical abuse, the next minute they can be showered with love, regret and promises to change, giving them glimpses of the person they fell for, giving them hope for the future, but still fearing the present". 

We also spoke to people about issues relating to older people and abusive relationships. A husband and wife could be married for many decades, and then one of them may develop dementia in later life. Dementia can sometimes lead people to behave in aggressive and even violent ways towards their partners. Some carers may find that they have become the victim of domestic violence and have to leave their husband or wife and start a new life well into their eighties or nineties.

If you know someone who lives with domestic abuse – actual or threatened physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse by a partner, family member or someone with whom there is or has been a close relationship – then Montgomeryshire Family Crisis Centre can help, whether you live in Llanfyllin or Llanidloes or anywhere in between. Call: 01686 629114.

For help in other areas of Powys call Welsh Women’s Aid: 0808 80 10 100.

Are you supporting the White Ribbon Campaign this year? If so, tell us more about your involvement in the comment box below.

Connecting at Brecon’s Bipolar UK support group

This week's post is from a regular attendee at the monthly Bipolar UK support group in Brecon.

My name is Liz and I have bipolar disorder. I first experienced mental health difficulties at aged 16, and was diagnosed with depression at 22. I continued to experience depressive episodes, which became more severe and frequent during my working life, leading to early retirement when I was 48. 

I was treated with a number of antidepressants, but these had limited efficacy and activating side effects. I was told I had Treatment Resistant Depression and things seemed pretty bleak. 

Six years ago, in my early fifties, I was sectioned and admitted to a psychiatric ward with psychosis. Following this I continued to experience mental health symptoms, despite medication and therapy. 

In April 2016 I was seen at the National Centre for Mental Health in Cardiff and given the diagnosis of Bipolar 1 Disorder. Since starting a mood stabilizer, I have been much better. 

I also attended the Bipolar Education Programme Cymru, an award winning education programme for people with bipolar developed by Cardiff University.

Following my diagnosis, I picked up a Bipolar UK flyer at the hospital. I later contacted Bipolar UK to find out what support was available in my area, and they put me in touch with the Bipolar Support group in Brecon. I have been attending the group for almost a year, travelling the 20 miles from Merthyr, and really value the sessions.

The group meets on the 4th Monday of the month between 7 and 9pm in Brecon and District Mind. The sessions are open to people with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, family and carers, and it costs just £1 to attend. Refreshments are provided.

The meetings allow time to find out more about bipolar disorder, and to share how we are all feeling and doing. Sometimes we have outside speakers. These have included Jodine Fec, the Lead Pharmacist Mental Health for Powys Teaching Local Health Board and Support Workers from Gwalia Care and Support. We might also watch films with a bipolar theme – one was Infinitely Polar Bear – a comedy drama about a man from Boston with bipolar. Or sometimes we enjoy a bring and share meal together. 

Personally, I really value the mutual sharing and support, in a friendly and non-judgmental environment. I have my own social networks, but it’s not the same as talking to someone with bipolar disorder who has the understanding and experience.

You don’t have to speak at the meetings if you don’t want to, although everyone has the opportunity to do so. You can stay as long as you want – so leave whenever you wish. And you can come along to as many or as few meetings as you like.

The groups are aimed at people aged 18 and over, but young people aged between 16 – 18 can attend if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

The next meeting is on Monday 27 November 2017. If you would like to join us at this or any future meetings you would be very welcome. You can:

• Just turn up at a meeting 
• Or find out more by phoning 0333 323 3885
• Or email: brecon@bipolarukgroups.org.uk

Stop press: We plan to screen a film about Graham Obree, the cyclist nicknamed “The Flying Scotsman” who lives with bipolar disorder, at a future meeting.

Many thanks to Liz for telling us about the Bipolar Support group at Brecon. This is currently the only such group operating in Powys, but if you would like to see a group in your area then contact Bipolar UK to express an interest. The more people who want a group in a specific area then the more viable it becomes.

All artwork by Liz.

FIVE on Five Ways to Wellbeing

Have you tried the Five Ways to Wellbeing yet? 

Five members of the Engage to Change sub-group, of the Powys Mental Health Planning & Development Partnership, write about their experiences.

Be Creative and Give: Louisa Kerr, Mental Health Partnership 

Being creative can mean many different things to different people. We are all creative in one way or another whether it be by applying innovative or imaginative solutions to problems at work, to inventing a new recipe for the family to try.

I used to love to draw but a busy life has meant I haven’t picked up a pencil for anything other than work for many years. With the Five Ways to Wellbeing in mind, I decided to have a go at drawing a picture for my sister’s birthday, she has a lovely West Highland Terrier called Gwyn – I attempted a little sketch of him and thought well if it turns out rubbish I can always get her something else!

Finding quiet time to do the drawing was difficult at first. I felt guilty for not doing other things, like housework, but I quickly found that I could do as little as 5 minutes and enjoy it, or on the weekend, get a load of other stuff done and then have an hour to myself without worrying. Thinking about nothing else but the picture was brilliant, very relaxing and I was shocked to find that what I was creating looked like a dog! Thankfully she loved it and it meant a lot because it was personal. I’m glad I gave it a go and would recommend finding time for creative things like this to other people.

Be Creative and Learn: Penny Price, Senior Nurse for Adult Mental Health Services in South Powys, Powys Teaching Health Board 

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the opportunity to engage in work or educational activities particularly helps to lift older people out of depression. The practice of setting goals, which is related to adult learning in particular, has been strongly associated with higher levels of wellbeing.

I belong to 2 am-dram groups in Brecon: Westenders and Brecon Little Theatre. Being part of these groups has offered me so many benefits. I have met a whole range of different people, younger, older and the same age as myself. My friendship group has quadrupled in the time I have been part of these groups.

Westenders is the bigger of the 2 groups with the most members, they have been putting on a yearly pantomime in the theatre in Brecon for over 75 years. Being part of Westenders has built my confidence over the years. Getting up on the stage in front of 400 people, 8 shows a week, is no easy thing, but once you have done it the feeling you get from the audience clapping and cheering is amazing.

Being in the pantomime is a real stress buster, we have rehearsals on a Monday and a Wednesday and sometimes I think I really can’t be bothered with this because I’m tired or work has been busy but I have to go because I don’t want to let people down. Once I get there all of my stress and tiredness disappears because of the atmosphere, the people, the dancing and singing.

Brecon Little Theatre makes me feel more creative. We are a little group with very little money so we have to make all of our props and scenery with very little money. We recently put on a production of Roald Dahl’s ‘The Twits’. For this we needed to design a Roly Poly Bird and other birds. We involved the children who were taking part in the production. I designed the Roly Poly Bird and suggested to use crisp packets for the feathers. Everyone was encouraged to bring in their empty crisp packets (not very healthy I know but a good way to recycle) and together we made the bird by stapling the shredded crisp packets to the frame. Everyone gets involved and there’s a real camaraderie about it. Every production, whether I am acting in it or part of the production team, makes me swell with pride because we have done it ourselves. Our last production of The Twits had such great reviews. I was assistant director and it was amazing, I was so proud of everyone involved.

I have also learnt so much from both groups, from child protection issues around changing rooms and restrictions on the hours of performance, to finance issues around hiring of venues and storage of costumes. I can honestly say joining the groups has been one of the best things I have done.

Connect : Jackie Newey is a Mental Health Information Officer with Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations

There is strong evidence that indicates that feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world.

It’s clear that social relationships are critical for promoting wellbeing and for acting as a buffer against mental ill health for people of all ages.

Here I am (standing far right) with fellow trustees at The Quilt Association recently. The charity’s home is The Minerva Arts Centre in Llanidloes not far from where I live. I have been a trustee since 2006, after starting volunteering there in 2003. 

For me it’s all about connecting with people in my community and particularly those with a keen interest in the creative arts. I probably get far more out of volunteering with the charity than I put in. The biggest buzz is seeing the Centre alive with happy, busy people – whether that be at an afternoon quilt documentation workshop, the popular annual World Textile Day or a group of college students being inspired by our latest exhibition. It’s clear to see straight away in these situations that the wellbeing of these individuals is enhanced by the social interaction, creative activity and learning opportunities. But the two words “mental health” never get uttered by anyone!

Be Active: Anne Woods is a Participation Officer in the mental health team at PAVO

Regular physical activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups.

Exercise is essential for slowing age-related cognitive decline and for promoting well-being.

But it doesn’t need to be particularly intense for you to feel good - slower-paced activities, such as walking, can have the benefit of encouraging social interactions as well providing some level of exercise.

I play football for Hay St Mary’s LFC and have done for the last two seasons – the team’s first two seasons in competitive football. We play in the Mid West Counties Female Football League and travel to matches as far afield as Worcester and Kidderminster. This photo shows me (in green and white) about to tackle a Kidderminster Harriers player, in a game we went on to lose 3-0; a good result against the team at the top of the table.

I enjoy being active. As well as helping to keep me physically fit, playing football develops mental toughness, determination, resilience and allows me to tap into my competitive spirit. It goes without saying that team work is essential and so connecting with others (another of the Five Ways) on and off the pitch, looking out for each other and good communication is also important. Plus it’s fun! Exercise releases endorphins and makes us feel better (although when we’re losing, and it’s raining, it sometimes makes me wonder…).

Be Active and Take Notice: Tim Williams, Community Safety Officer 
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Reminding yourself to ‘take notice’ can strengthen and broaden awareness.

Studies have shown that being aware of what is taking place in the present directly enhances your well-being and savouring ‘the moment’ can help to reaffirm your life priorities.

Heightened awareness also enhances your self-understanding and allows you to make positive choices based on your own values and motivations.

Next bank holiday weekend, I intend to cycle to Stratford upon Avon and visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. I have never seen or read anything by the bard so I will endeavour to learn something about him.

The ride was a success:

Read more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing on this blog:

Five Ways to Wellbeing with PAVO mental health team

Five Ways to Wellbeing in the workplace

Festivals and the wellbeing scene