The PAWS network takes the message into market cafes

The new PAWS mugs are delivered to Machynlleth livestock market

by Sue Newham
Engagement Officer
 Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations

The Powys Agri Wellbeing Support network is facilitated by PAVO, but attended by a wide range of third sector and statutory organisations.

The network has had many discussions about how to raise awareness of the many services that are out there to support members of the farming community. At the end of 2019, it was agreed that the network would produce an information sheet in English and Cymraeg with details of all the support available, with phone contact details. 

Each sheet is two sides of A4, so that organisations can print them out and give them to those who struggle with digital connection. They can also be placed in community buildings, or used by staff who regularly speak to farmers.

The network has committed to updating these every 6 months. The sheets are also available on the PAVO website for easy download.

These information sheets have been well used and helpful, but still the network grappled with how to get support messages out to farmers and members of the farming community where they are.

Discussions came up with the idea of mugs branded with multiple support numbers to be placed in livestock market cafés across Powys.The design work was done and agreed, but the issue of funding remained.

Thankfully, the PTHB Charitable Funds grant opened, and Kate Miles of the DPJ Foundation stepped in to lead on the application on behalf of the PAWS group.

Funding was awarded for 396 mugs to be printed.

Mugs were handed over at each livestock market during April 2022.

Brecon livestock market

A few mugs were given to auctioneers where there was no market café.

Builth Wells livestock market

Many positive comments have been received about the mugs.

Jess Morris, a regional champion for the DPJ Foundation said:

“I absolutely love these mugs. They are really great because all the foundations are on them and they are bright coloured. They will do well in the farming community. As a young farmer working in the farming community, I don't think farmers like to speak out about mental health. It is a challenging sector and promoting a tiny bit here and there will be essential.”

Knighton livestock market

Talgarth livestock market

The Powys Agri Wellbeing Support facilitator, Sue Newham, from PAVO, says:

“It is great to have brought this project to a successful conclusion, but as a group we have to keep pushing forward with raising awareness. Great though the mugs are, we can’t rest on our laurels. We would like to have a more regular “in person” presence at livestock markets, so we are discussing how we can make this happen.”

Welshpool livestock market

Taylbont & Sennybridge livestock markets

If you would like to be part of the Powys Agri Wellbeing Support group,

please contact Sue by emailing: sue.newham@pavo.org.uk

Rhayader livestock market