My 2022 journey with Ponthafren

 

Here in Powys our mental health charities do some absolutely amazing work!

For our final post this 2022 we find out more about the impact of Ponthafren’s One to One Recovery Project from a recent client.

Where do I start? Maybe a bit of background?

In 2019 I was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI) and advised to medically retire by the Neuropsychologist. I didn’t feel ready at that time and the Neuropsychologist himself retired leaving me to negotiate my diagnosis and progression myself.

Fast forward to 2021. Having worked through the pandemic as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, providing support and training to staff as well as initiating new protocols and treatments, I was finding things more and more difficult. I was feeling the effects of my TBI and was afraid of making a mistake or killing a patient.

At the age of 55, having worked as a nurse for 26 years, I made the difficult decision to retire and in December 2021 I was awarded a Level 2 medical retirement on 31.12.2021. This had two effects. First, it confirmed I had made the right decision but secondly, it also meant that I was no longer a nurse, had no purpose and no support to help me navigate the TBI effects and how my life was changing. I was a failure.

During early 2022 I was struggling to obtain my pension from the NHS due to a previous employer who had not completed the appropriate paperwork. I was unaware of any benefits I was entitled to, and I was also unable to navigate the communication with the pensions department, ex-employer, etc, due to my poor cognitive abilities and labile emotions. (Basically, I just fell apart when trying to talk to anyone).

After 3 months of trying to navigate everything on my own my mental health had deteriorated to such an extent that I thought the world would be a better place without me in it. I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to for advice or support. The Neuropsychologist was never replaced in our area, and whilst the GP was supportive he was unable to provide any help. I couldn’t talk to my family as I didn’t want to be a burden. I cried if anyone talked to me, I felt a failure and worthless, I didn’t know how to negotiate my own life, who I was or who I wanted to be. I was withdrawn, lonely and felt a failure.

I was aware of Ponthafren, the mental health charity in North Powys, as I had provided some training there in the past. However, I really didn’t feel they were for me as I had some preconceived ideas as to the clientele. I certainly wasn’t sure what they could do - if anything - to help me, but I had to try something or I would not have been able to go on.

So I contacted Ponthafren and within a few weeks they had offered me an appointment to discuss my needs and see if they could offer support. I wasn’t hopeful! Then I met my One to One Recovery Worker. I don’t think I got through the first few meetings without being a complete mess! Crying, unable to find the words I needed and being withdrawn.

Over time my One to One Worker helped me to navigate the pensions; she also spoke/emailed the ex-employer and helped support me to apply for benefits. She gave me the reassurance that I was not beyond help and provided emotional as well as practical support. I could not have done it without her.

Through my One to One Worker’s support and encouragement I was able to access some counselling and to attend a gardening group. Initially being part of the group was difficult. I was unable to concentrate fully on what was happening as I struggled in a group, especially if more than one person was talking. I was unable to keep up with processing the information and I felt I didn’t belong. Also I cried… a lot! But I persevered.

When we transferred to volunteer at another large local garden overseen by a charity I couldn’t even get out of the car! I couldn’t work out how to park…. I didn’t know how to find the toilets. I didn’t know anyone and felt out of place. Every time I saw one of the other volunteers I broke down and cried, but still I persevered.

Slowly, with encouragement, I was able to attend other groups and not fall apart. I still have mini meltdowns and get fatigued, and my emotions overwhelm me on occasion, but I now have a purpose. I feel welcomed by all at Ponthafren and would be lost without them.

Fast forward 9 months

I am now a regular volunteer with Ponthafren. I also attend Mindfulness once a month, Singing for Well-being on a Tuesday, Yoga on a Wednesday, and Gardening on a Thursday.

Recently I was asked to facilitate the gardening group to enable it to carry on as Adult Learning Wales were unable to continue providing support. I didn’t think I could do it, but with the encouragement and support I have received, and continue to receive, I have become a volunteer for the charity’s garden as well as for Ponthafren. I can converse with the group effectively; I have attended meetings with regards to the group, and although there were a few teething problems initially I feel I am now able to steer the group and help it to grow for other members of Ponthafren and people just like me because of my One to One Worker and the rest of the team at Welshpool.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have meltdowns and cry on occasion, but I am generally better able to recognise when I need to step away and when I need to ask for help from others. This is without doubt a definite growth for me. I have a purpose, I have somewhere that people ‘see me’ and accept me for all my faults along with some strengths that I have been able to develop along this journey.

I really can’t put into words how much finding Ponthafren has helped me and changed my life this year. If it wasn’t for my One to One worker and the amazing team at Welshpool, I wouldn’t be here in December 2022.

I hope to be able to continue to give back to Ponthafren and be an asset to them, to be able to help and support others in my own slightly broken way as a volunteer. Ponthafren is for everyone who needs a little support or has been a little bit damaged just because of life! If I could change one thing it would be the misguided pre-conceptions that some people have, myself included, around what Ponthafren is, who it can help and what they can offer. I sing their praise from the roof top when able and have pointed a couple of people in their direction already.

Finally, I would like to say THANK YOU, you really do not know how you have saved me and enhanced my life. Keep doing what you all do so well.

Find out more about Ponthafren’s One to One Recovery project.

Games for Wellbeing

by David Granero  

Project Coordinator

Modern board games have come a long way. They are engaging, accessible, inclusive and tickle parts of our brains in the most delightful way. I am not talking about old games like Monopoly or Cluedo, which rank at the bottom of the list of over 23,500 board games (to date). The mechanics of modern board games allow players full control of actions, balancing of decisions and a sprinkle of luck in the mix.

I have played board games for many years. I am part of a gaming group that meets weekly, where we try a plethora of new games and replay classic ones. In 2019 I had a severe mental health breakdown and our weekly gaming meetings became a life saver for me. It was then that I discovered the benefits of having a supportive social environment and started researching the mental health benefits of board games. I did a mental health first aid course and created Games for Wellbeing.

In December 2019 Comic Relief granted a small fund to pilot Games for Wellbeing in Llanidloes in North Powys (supported by LLANI Ltd). The first two sessions were well received (15-20 participants), but then the pandemic hit. The project tried to adapt by becoming a library of games and as restrictions eased it was hosted again face to face at the Hanging Gardens in the town.

At present Games for Wellbeing is looking for funding to expand into a permanent library of games at the Hanging Gardens, and to focus on the younger generations by bringing in role playing games and graphic novels. It runs every Thursday from 6-9pm and, as always, it is free for everyone.

Feedback from participants

“I’ve learned of new games, met new people and been entertained. The evenings have helped me feel less isolated and more a part of the community.” - Lawrence R

“I enjoy coming to the games evening as I live on my own so it does me good to come and socialise and learn new games. I really look forward to coming each week.” (sic) Marian H

“I absolutely love these game evenings. I’ve discovered so many new games and stretched my brain and had lovely evenings with people I’ve just met; and we’re all having a great time!” - Keran

“Well the games evening is amazing. It really helps the community for people to come out and to socialise. And to learn and play new games and it really helps intellectually. I hope the Games Evening will carry on. It means a lot to have them once a week.” - (sic) Elsa C.J.

Find out more

Games for Wellbeing Facebook page

email: gamesforwellbeing@gmail.com

Christmas - singing for mental health and wellbeing

Christmas carols with the PAVO mental health team

Whatever you think of Christmas it seems singing Christmas carols / songs could be good for your mental health and wellbeing.

Indeed, research has shown that group singing in particular is good for health generally. So, as choirs and singing groups throughout Powys gear up for the Christmas season, we decided to find out more about what exactly the benefits of group singing can be. And to do that, we hand over to those that know - some of the singers and choristers from a few Powys choirs and singing groups!

Castle Belles ladies’ singing group - Ceri Williams

I’ve been in the Castle Belles singing group of Castle Caereinion for 10 years now. We sing in English, Welsh and sometimes even Italian! We are not a traditional choir - we perform musical theatre mainly and carols at this time of year. We meet once a week on Tuesdays and are looking for new mezzos if anyone is interested! Over the years we have raised £25,000 + for different charities.

I believe that everyone can sing - if you think you can’t you just haven’t found your place yet. Besides which you’d be drowned out in our group!

Singing in a group produces feel-good neurotransmitters. It’s a primal thing. But you can definitely feel it. I get goosebumps singing in harmony. It’s fantastic for me. Plus, to sing in a group is very supportive. We have members who have lost partners and family members. We make friends and have shared interests. Every year we take the train for a social and meal in Shrewsbury and enjoy a big singalong on the train for the return trip!

Find out more on the Castle Belles Facebook page.

Photo credit: Sian Gwyn

Bracken Trust Singers - Chris Clarke, Leader

Our members are a very varied group of ages from mid-fifties to 92 years of age! We have singles and couples, men and women, people with cancer, people who recovered from cancer, people who have lost beloved family members to cancer and Covid. But, above all, we are a happy and sociable group who love to share our time singing and making friends.

We have performed recently for Dementia Matters in Powys. People who live with dementia respond really well to music from their era. We have since welcomed four visitors from their group who are hoping to join us each week to sing along.

Performing for Dementia Matters in Powys

“This is why we sing”, a song we included in one of our CDs, contains apt lyrics for anyone who enjoys singing: Music can tear down walls which we may have built around ourselves when feeling vulnerable and alone.

Singing enhances our breathing and lung capacity. It strengthens our core. It lightens our hearts. It brings us comfort when we most need it. It strengthens our memory.

Singing in a group encourages us to make friendships, to share stories and sometimes confidences which we feel we cannot always share with our dearest family when we are battling with illness.

Singing releases pent-up feelings. We often listen to songs which have profound meaning for us and we love to learn to sing them because expressing the words and sentiments help to improve our mental well-being.

Singing can give pleasure to others which then gives us pleasure, too. Singing in a group helps build our confidence. I know that in our group, The Bracken Trust Singers, we need our weekly dose of singing together and meeting everyone. It takes us out of the house, out of our daily lives with its cares and problems. That weekly dose is our medicine.

Find out more on The Bracken Trust's Facebook page.

Cantorion Llandrindod Wells - Hilary Cox, Musical Director

'Singing is a very special enterprise. We sing before we can speak, it costs nothing and requires no equipment. It helps us breathe in the best way and is a total physical and mental workout. It is one of those rare activities which engages both hemispheres of the brain, forging new connections and engaging our learning most powerfully. Singing with others has a powerful effect on mood and wellbeing. When those others are friendly and welcoming, the benefits multiply.’

No wonder that singing is increasingly recognised as a way to support and improve mental health for us all. A study by the Sidney De Haan Research Centre in Folkestone found that after 3 months of weekly singing, the singing groups showed statistically significant improvements both in generalised mental health and a reduction in depression.

Choir members of Cantorion in Llandrindod will vouch for the benefits of singing together. Members new to the area have found a welcome and all of us enjoy making something special happen each week at our rehearsals.

Find out more on the Cantorion Llandrindod website.

Hafren Community Choir - Charlotte Woodford

Group singing is highly beneficial for mental and emotional well-being. Choir members often report back how important it is for reducing anxiety, commonly sharing that for those two hours they think of nothing at all but enjoying themselves. The singing gets oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin moving through the body – our natural painkillers and healers, these also have a great hand in lifting our spirits.

The shared experience of singing is powerful, and facilitates other lovely times together - the tea break at Choir is an essential part of the whole evening, as is going on trips – locally or further afield. We are off to Limerick this summer to visit a host choir and have them back to Newtown in September. Singing opens everybody up, relaxes us, makes us laugh and take joy in what we are creating together, which has a knock-on effect on the forming of long-lasting friendships and a deeply supportive network within our community.

Contact Charlotte 07828 413 484 / charlotte@lifebulb.org for more info about the Hafren and Llanidloes Community Choirs, Singing for Lung Health & Baby Music.

Rhayader Voices in Unity - Lynda Birch

I sing with the Rhayader choir Voices in Unity. I love to hear the sound of our voices coming together to produce a sound that is a combination of our individual voices. I feel uplifted and part of something that gives pleasure to the many people who come to our concerts. I particularly like hearing the harmonies develop from our early practice sessions to the finished performance. It literally takes my breath away.

Find out more on the Voices in Unity Facebook page.

Cathy's Angels

Ponthafren Singing for Wellbeing - Cathy Beech

I am a singer/songwriter and vocal coach and for over 22 years I've been working towards demonstrating how singing frees your spirit and your mind to become who you want to be. It is a fallacy to believe it is for the few. I read somewhere recently that a study had been conducted and 96% of people can sing, that includes you, it is very unlikely that you can't sing, there has to be something really wrong for you to not be able to sing. The simple truth is, you have been trained to believe you can't sing and that is inhibiting. 

For the last 6 years I have been working on a program of Singing for Wellbeing in Newtown and Welshpool and it has become very successful. I use my program to help people at Ponthafren get their mental health back on track - it is an amazing facility for this. I also use my techniques with my own choirs and workshops and the difference it makes in people's lives is just inspiring for our community of singers, it truly opens mental doors.

The Teen Believers

As a vocal coach, I have witnessed the strength that people find deep within themselves once they have found their voice to do the one thing they always wanted. The power of singing together in front of people and sharing your voice is without doubt more important than we could even imagine right now. It's a life changer, a beautiful vibration that lifts and brings people together. But when we use it to discover ourselves then fear melts into a pool where the sun shines and a rainbow is born. You need to feel the vibration of sound. Go and join that choir, that vocal workshop. Sing that open mic church event. Be a part of your community, both performer and spectator. Free your voice. You will never look back. 

My classes are run from the Armoury in Welshpool throughout school term time on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can find out more details on my website. 

Choirs for Good - Tiffany Evans

Choirs For Good was set up by a group of like-minded choir leaders who wanted to use the power of choirs and group singing to connect and empower people and communities. Singing is a universal and instinctive part of what makes us human, yet it does not always feel accessible; we want to change that. Singing in a choir is about transforming one's life for the better, meeting people, forming bonds and new friendships and finding support through music, as well as creating wonderful opportunities and memories to cherish forever.

Singing together is about much more than singing itself. Choirs are communities of people from all backgrounds, with all the richness and life-experience that combining large groups of people together can bring. Communities are a powerful force for change, and we believe that by placing choirs at the heart of local communities it has the potential to do good for society. Our choirs are open to all who wish to join, we are welcoming members throughout the year and always happy to meet new people and attend new events, bringing music to those who need it. Our tag line is Do Good, Feel Good, For Good.

Llanidloes choir meet weekly on a Monday evening, what better way to start the week than by being enveloped in live music and laughter? Find out more on the Choirs for Good website. 

Alive & Kickin' Community Choir - Tanya Walker

As a classically trained singer, songwriter and composer I have been leading several choirs for 10 years now. I founded and lead the Alive & Kickin’ Community Choir Brecon and the Lunchtime Uplift Choir at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon. My choirs sing songs from all over the world including popular, contemporary and original material.

I have witnessed first hand over the years the transformational power that singing in a choir has had on the lives of participants - whether that be observing the power of singing as a catalyst to heal the wounded heart of someone recently widowed, or providing a valuable focal point and lifeline to someone recovering from extreme depression. My experience tells me that singing enhances the health and wellbeing of participants whilst also encouraging a more positive perspective on life.

My choirs also serve as vital friendship networks for the lonely and have provided a precious trip down memory lane for participants with dementia who can remember words from a song from their teenage years but can’t recognise the faces of their own family.

In some ways it is hard to put into words how music and singing together heals - except to say in every session I lead I see people coming into choir feeling one way - and witness everyone (with no exceptions) leaving feeling ‘uplifted’ from the day to day struggles of every day life.

Find out more on the Alive & Kickin' Facebook page or ring Tanya on 07723 016 837.

If you sing in a choir or singing group and feel it benefits your mental health we would love to hear from you in the comments box below.

A peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers near and far