#ItTakesBallsToTalk - Michael Sheen & Ystradgynlais Mind

 

#ItTakesBallsToTalk is a mental health campaign by Ystradgynlais Mind in affiliation with their local Rugby community featuring the voice of Michael Sheen. 

Ystradgynlais Mind told us more about the campaign:

This campaign is aimed at creating a much needed conversation surrounding the mental health of men within the Welsh Rugby community. 

In this land of our fathers, we are calling out to all ‘the boys’, our brothers, our uncles, our cousins, our sons. We are asking you to tackle this stigma head on by joining our movement… 

When we lose one of ‘our boys’, we always, always ask why? Nobody ever sees it coming… so get on board, we can beat this… give this a try… Join our movement by following our pages and sharing this message as loudly and proudly as you possibly can. If it saves just one life, then it’s a job well done. 

#SilenceKills

Following a disproportionate rate of suicide within the community a collaborative initiative between Ystradgynlais Mind and local Rugby clubs has been born. 

Evidence has shown that you (men) are less likely to reach out to ‘professionals’ when faced with feelings of depression and are instead far more likely to talk to your mates in more social settings, in the changing room, or even over a pint, in the club. 

#SpeakYourMind

So, in light of this Ystradgynlais Mind has piloted the training of ‘mates’ in Mental Health First Aid to equip them with the knowledge and skills to facilitate conversations in supporting those seeking help. Some coaches, referees, players and affiliated members of rugby clubs have already received training, but we welcome more to join this initiative. If you are a club within the local area who would like to receive this training, please refer to our website.

Find out more about the campaign on our social media accounts too:

Ystradgynlais Mind Facebook

Ystradgynlais Mind Instagram

Ystradgynlais Mind Twitter

Should you require immediate support please see below useful contacts: 

Samaritans - 116 123 

Mind - 0300 1233 393 

CALL 24/7 - 0800 132 737 

NHS Direct - 111 

Hafal - 01792 816600 

Bipolar UK - 0333 3233 880 

Platfform - 01656 647722 

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide - 0800 068 4141 

The CALMzone - 0800 585858 

This campaign was brought to you by Ystradgynlais Mind (Charity reg: 1075400) in affiliation with our local Rugby community:

Yogits Vets Touch Rugby, Ystradgynlais RFC, Ystalyfera RFC, Abercrave RFC, Glais RFC, 

Cwmtwrch RFC, and Cwmllynfell RFC. 

Special thanks to Michael Sheen.

Supporting families in Powys – Home-Start Cymru

   

Earlier this year Vicky Critchley started work as Home-Start Cymru’s new Family Support Co-ordinator for South Powys. Her colleague Michelle Lawrence-Panter has covered North Powys for the past 18 months.

Home-Start Cymru is a voluntary organisation committed to supporting families with at least one child age 12 years of age or under where parents could be struggling with poor mental health, disability, loneliness & isolation, financial worries, and / or low self esteem.

I chatted to Vicky and Michelle this week to find out more about their roles in Powys.

Tell us about your roles at Home-Start Cymru

We are family coordinators who support a wide range of incredible volunteers here within Powys.

Our role starts when we receive a referral. Referrals come from all sorts of agencies – including health visitors, GPs and parents who can self-refer. We then take plenty of time to get to know the family and find out their strengths and particular needs at this time.

Taking into account location and age of children we carefully match a family with a volunteer and then support them as they get to know each other. Our trained volunteers give compassionate and confidential support, tailored to each family. With the support of our family coordinators they can help families through some of their toughest times. Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and overwhelming. Our volunteers pride themselves in being able to contact a family on a weekly basis and be there to offer ideas, a listening ear and to support the family with individual, one-to-one home-visiting.

We can also signpost the family to other support services, including networks in their areas such as playgroups or toddler sessions. We hold regular review sessions with the family to ensure they are receiving support that is just right for them.

In addition, we help recruit and train new volunteers as well as let others across our county know about our services so that we continue to reach out to as many families as possible. We are really fortunate to have links to local charities and grant providers – and are frequently able to make deliveries of resources ranging from Christmas gifts, to well-being goodies, clothes and baby equipment.

What brought you to these roles?

Vicky was a primary school teacher for twenty years. She loved her job immensely but after two decades in the classroom, wanted a change and to be able to support families in an area that she had moved to and been so warmly welcomed to. Whilst sofa surfing the internet one December evening, she saw an advert for Home-Start Cymru, rang the Regional Manager and seemed to be hooked overnight by the ethos and values of the charity.

Michelle previously had her own dance school and then trained in social care. She spent many years working with teenagers and helping them achieve in school, which she really enjoyed. This led her onto working in a children’s centre. After moving to Wales and working for a corporate company Michelle wanted to return to the vocation she loved. Fortunately, Home-Start were offering an opportunity for a Family Coordinator and this is exactly what she wanted to do. 21 months later Michelle loves working in the community and meeting amazing people every day.

Why was Home-Start Cymru set up? 

Home-Start Cymru is affiliated to Home-Start UK which started in 1973. We were founded by Margaret Harrison who believed that supporting a family was best done in their home where it can be shaped to their needs. She realised that if parents get support and friendship from another parent, they will be better equipped to learn to cope with the many difficulties life can bring and will be able to give their children the best possible start to their own lives.

While this idea remains at the heart of our work, we have created new ways of helping parents and their children to meet the changing needs of families.

This idea that started in Leicester, spread across the UK and is now a movement around the world. There are now 22 countries on five continents that have Home-Starts providing support for families.

What geographical area do you cover and where are you based?

Home-Start Cymru covers many regions across Wales. Here in Powys we cover the whole county from as far north as beyond Welshpool to right down south in Ystradgynlais. Michelle and I are home based at this time (due to Covid restrictions) but can be easily reached via our admin email address and our mobiles.

Why do some families require extra support around parenting?

Being a parent has never been easy. It can be lonely, frustrating, heart breaking and overwhelming. Life-changing events can happen to anyone and all parents struggle at one time or another. That is why Home-Start Cymru is ready to support families through their toughest of times.

Our mission statement includes the simple but so important statement…"Because childhood can’t wait.” The earliest years of a child’s life make the biggest impact. Home-Start Cymru understand that in these difficult times, families require a little extra support from time to time. So, we try to give that – in a non-judgemental way - so that we can make sure those earliest years of a child’s life really count so that no child’s future is limited.

How can a parent’s poor mental health impact on the family as a whole?

We mustn’t underestimate the impact that a parent’s poor mental health can have on the whole family. It can come in so many forms - your family may be trying to cope with the impact of mental ill-health or post-natal depression. You may be struggling to care for your young children while you are trying to get better.

A Home-Start volunteer who understands may be able to help along with specialist support groups such as Mind. If you are a father struggling to cope while your wife, or partner, goes through the dark days of postnatal illness, you may be able to find one of our dads' support groups.

We supported Kelly as she struggled with postnatal depression. "I couldn't walk out of the door. I was so low I thought my children would be taken away. I was worried I wasn't good enough. My Home-Start volunteer was the first person to take me out. Before, I didn't want to look at tomorrow, now I can't wait."

Who is eligible for support? And can families self-refer and if so how?

Any family is eligible for support, so long as they have at least one child age 12 years or under. We are not able to support a family which has a social worker assigned to them (due to our funders’ referral criteria). Other than this, we can support any family. Self-referral is really easy and we regularly accept these. Email our central office adminpowys@homestartcymru.org.uk and Michelle or Vicky will be in touch.

If families did not receive the support you offer what might happen to them?

When we face moments of hardship or crisis, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, scared, disheartened, lonely and really not know which way to turn for the best. We pride ourselves in being there before the hardship and crisis become too much for the family and prevent tough times becoming even tougher. Working alongside a family hopefully prevents them from suffering any further and instead allows them to grow, learn new skills, gain confidence and know that there is someone out there who can offer genuine, compassionate and non-judgmental care.

Tell us more about the volunteers’ role

Volunteers are the lifeline of our support. By sharing their knowledge and experience they can transform the lives of young children and their parents in their community. They meet the family weekly, offering support that’s geared towards them and their current challenges. This helps families build on their strengths and increase their confidence.

In return for their time, we provide all the training, guidance and support the volunteers need to be effective and make a real difference. Volunteers, meanwhile, have the opportunity to meet new friends, enhance their wellbeing and develop transferrable skills to take into the workplace.

How has Covid-19 impacted on your work / projects?

We are really proud that throughout Covid-19 we have managed to keep in touch with our families and continue supporting them whilst also growing our incredible team of volunteers. Face-to-face, home visits had to stop in March 2020. Instead we, like most of the world, turned to virtual support – offering befriending, emotional support over the telephone, and via the world of virtual meetings. It isn’t the same, but in these strange times, it’s a good alternative. Who knew you can still do story times over zoom?!

Our coordinators and volunteers are now returning gradually to face-to-face support. At the time of talking to you, we are able to meet families outdoors – for a walk to a playground, or a play in a garden. We are really hopeful that as time progresses, we will be able to return to indoor support – but we know that in the meantime, we can continue to offer remote support as well. Keeping everyone Covid safe is our priority at all times.

Which other Powys organisations do you work closely with to support families with young children?

We work closely with all the health, education and third sector organisations across Powys. We attend network meetings – sharing best practice, letting other groups know of our service and gathering contacts and details of other services that we can signpost our families towards. We are always looking for different organisations to work with and support – for example supporting local fun days, presenting at particular organisation team meetings and contributing towards joint information sharing initiatives.

What is the most challenging part of your roles?

A particular challenge is that we can’t get to see everyone in person in these Covid times. We love to be with families in person and are probably big children at heart – never happier than to be playing alongside children and their parents. Another challenge is that our county is so large. Travelling from one family to another can take quite a bit of time – thank goodness for sat nav and the fact that it doesn’t snow too often to block the country lanes that we travel along from family to family.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done in your roles so far

By far it is when you hear about how families are growing – when we hear about moments where they are finding strength and being able to move forward themselves. It might be that moment when a young Mum is able to interact and play with her young son with more confidence, or the time when a young Dad has a lovely bedtime story and snuggles with their child. Seeing children and families grow in confidence, with less struggles, feeling better connected and smiling again is so rewarding. We are honestly so lucky and privileged to be able to share a little part of a family’s life – and this is such a great reward for us both.

When you’re not working how do you enjoy spending your time?

We both love to be outside – walking, cycling and spending times with our own families.

Vicky has teenage children, so lots of her time is spent with them, running them around as well as her beloved baking and cooking.

Michelle is busy renovating her new house – and loves gathering with her family, enjoying each other’s company as well as walking for miles with her dogs.

We are both like most families – enjoying time together and balancing busy family lives as well as work.

Many thanks to Vicky & Michelle for telling us all about their roles. To find out more about their work contact adminpowys@homestartcymru.org.uk and/or info@homestartcymru.org.uk or ring 07871 601 772, and/or 07712 270 559.

Radiate Arts - boosting mental health in North Powys

L - R: Jenny Botha & Pam Gordon of Radiate Arts
Claire Powell & Jackie Newey of Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations

Claire Powell (Community Connector for Newtown & Llanidloes) and I recently paid a visit to Radiate Arts CIC  (a community interest company) at its current base in North Powys. Radiate Arts is a not-for-profit organisation which delivers creative workshops in the community. Each workshop is tailored to the group, but the goal remains the same – to use art for mental and physical wellbeing.

We caught up with Pam and Jenny of Radiate Arts at their beautiful lakeside location high in the hills to find out more about the organisation’s current activities. We also learnt more about how art can have such a positive impact on people’s mental health.

Why is art so important for wellbeing?

Art can provide a space for relaxation and focus. Participants on our courses often comment about how creative activities help them forget their worries and it gives them headspace to focus on something new. The social element of our workshops is also a big benefit, as it encourages others to get out and meet people too (socially distanced of course).

It's important to remember that using creativity as a way to relax has real benefits. People who do art, or write regularly, tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress. It's even been known to lower blood pressure, improve sleep and reduce chronic pain. These, among other benefits, can improve your overall quality of life and help you to feel more content.

Where is Radiate Arts based?

Our Creative Hub is located under 5 miles from Llanidloes town centre. This is our main location for our art workshops, and we work across Chester and the west of England too.

We overlook the Clywedog Reservoir, so there are some stunning views across the valley. We’re lucky to be placed in such a beautiful location. In fact, we use the beauty of nature to inspire us in our work and for green prescribing.

Tell us a bit more about the workshops

We run a wide range of workshops, from stone carving, painting, sketching, macrame, creative writing and printing - there's something for everyone!

We lead workshops for those who may not have had many opportunities to interact and participate in creative spaces before, or had access to these facilities. We provide a safe space to develop positive feelings of self-worth, mindfulness and mental awareness through a creative process.

Have you ever tried to use art or poetry to relax? Sometimes it's hard to know where to start...many of our participants have found success in unlocking their creative intuition through our inclusive workshops.

Creativity is for everyone, regardless of skillset.

Are workshops open to the public?

Yes, we run workshops which are open to the public, but you will need to book in advance. All of our live public workshops can be found on our Eventbrite page here.

Do you run creative workshops for community groups, as part of social prescribing?

Yes, we do! Social prescribing workshops from referred groups, form most of our workshops at our Creative Hub. Examples include stone carving with ex-service personnel, to printing with care homes.

Radiate Arts recently ran an outdoor photography workshop for ex-army veterans in partnership with The Armed Forces Covenant Fund's 'Positive Pathways Programme'.

The course, called 'Creative Freedom,' saw participants roam the beautiful landscape of Mid Wales, taking photographs along the way. The aim was to increase physical and mental wellbeing, and was spread out over three days on the hillsides nearby the Clywedog Reservoir. You can read more on our blog here.

Who leads the workshops?

We have a team of expert artists who deliver the workshop in their field. They are experienced with hosting groups, and enjoy sharing their artform with others. We host an Artist Q and A on our blog, which you can read here.

How can I find out more or get in touch?

To find out more, please visit our website www.radiatearts.co.uk , or email office@radiatearts.co.uk. You can also follow us on social media:

Facebook – RadiateArts

Twitter – ArtsRadiate 

Instagram – RadiateArts

Running for mental wellbeing

Earlier this summer the mental health charity Mid & North Powys Mind launched a free 12-week beginners’ running course in Newtown, North Powys.

“It is suitable for complete beginners - whether you've never run before, or you used to run and haven't for a little while. There's no pressure to be a certain fitness - no one will get left behind!”

Our Health & Wellbeing colleague Andrew Davies, who works as a Participation Officer for Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, has joined the group. We asked him to tell us more about the course and why he signed up.

Andrew Davies, Health & Wellbeing Participation Officer, PAVO

Are you an experienced runner or a beginner?

I have done walk to run groups before and got up to taking part in local 5k runs. However, I then started attending a more advanced all men's group and damaged a muscle in my leg and have struggled to get back into running since.

Why did you sign up to this running course? And what was your view of running at the beginning?

I signed up as I struggle to find the time and commitment to run by myself. I know that the exercise I get out of it is really good for both my mental and physical health but with two young children at home I struggle with the motivation to go out. I find running with a group forces me to go out.

How many are in the group and who leads the course?

We currently have around 12 attendees each week and 4 leaders overseen by Lizzie Cockle from Mid and North Powys Mind. Lizzie is also the Training Team Lead and a 1:1 Support Worker for Montgomeryshire.

Whereabouts do the group run in North Powys and when?

The group meets every Monday evening and we currently run routes around Dolerw Park alongside the River Severn in Newtown.

Tell us a bit about how the course works (5K – Couch)

The course starts in week 1 with a 5 minute walk and then a 30 second run for 4 repetitions. The walks then decrease in time and the runs increase until by week 8 you are running for the full hour and hitting 5k. 

This is all done at everyone's individual pace, and the faster runners do loops to help those who aren't so fast to catch up, so the group stays together. We also have support runners at the front, middle and back to make sure we are all going at a pace that is comfortable for us. This means you don't feel you are holding anyone up, or falling too far behind, and so get despondent with it. The whole group also encourages each other throughout the run.

Have you set any personal goals for your own running and why?

I have a bucket list and one of those is to run a half marathon. I feel it is a really good thing to have those goals in life of things you want to achieve, see and experience.

Why is running good for mental wellbeing as well as keeping you physically fit? How does it make you feel mentally after a good run?

I find that running really helps my mental wellbeing. Not only does it increase your endorphins (the body's natural painkillers and mood enhancers) but you are also out in nature and it gives you that break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and some much needed "me" time.

Why is it good to run in a group rather than on your own?

Personally, I struggle with the motivation to go out on my own - there is always something else I could be doing. You also get to meet and chat to a group of really interesting people that you may not have met before. Some of the people I have met running are now really good friends.

Do you have any tips for people who think they can’t run?

If you think you can’t run, have a go! I always used to say I would only run if I was being chased but I love doing it now I have been shown how to do it properly. Even if you don’t get to the end of the course the first time, do what makes you comfortable, and then join again and try and get past where you were the last time.

What is the most challenging part of the course, and the best part each week?

The most challenging part of the course is the increase in time running! But the feeling of self achievement when that whistle blows, and you have managed to increase what you did the week before, is wonderful.

Will Mid & North Powys Mind be running future running groups for beginners? How can people find out more?

Hopefully MNPM will be running future running groups. For more information please visit the running group Facebook page or contact Lizzie Cockle by emailing lizzie@mnpmind.org.uk

Many thanks to Andrew for telling us all about his running adventures. Do you run for your wellbeing? Let us know more in the comments below.