This week, 13 – 17 November 2023, is Welsh Charities Week! It’s a chance to recognise and share the good work of charities, social enterprises, voluntary organisations and community and volunteer groups in Powys.
According to WCVA, which hosts Welsh Charities Week: “The last few years have seen the sector and country as a whole endure a series of challenges and difficult circumstances. Welsh Charities Week is a chance to recognise and celebrate all the work that people and organisations across the voluntary sector in Wales do to shine a bit of light in the dark. It’s an opportunity to come together and show appreciation, to remind people that what they do makes a difference.”
To celebrate the wonderful work of our Powys mental health charities for Welsh Charities Week we decided to showcase one of the current activities or services available from each organisation. There is so much support out there for people who need help to boost their emotional wellbeing, we need to shout loud and make sure everyone, absolutely everyone, knows about it. We never know when any one of us - you, me, our family and friends, may find ourselves struggling with our mental health and need that support.
So support these local charities, because they support us. Show them some love, because they are lifesavers, literally in some cases. You could help spread the word about their services, you could join in their fundraising activities, you could volunteer at their centres. There are so many ways to celebrate and support their essential work.
Let’s hear more about them. From South to North up through our magnificent and large county of Powys:
Ystradgynlais Mind - In-work support service
The In-Work Support Service is a new, Welsh Government funded service being delivered by Minds in Powys. It is a 2 years’ project focussed on reducing the impact of health issues in the workplace. It is aimed at individuals and businesses, providing therapeutic support for employees and training and advice to businesses throughout Powys.
The new 'In Work Support Service' at Ystradgynlais Mind can help those who are struggling with their mental health whilst working.
The free service provides therapeutic support to help people who are absent from work, or at risk of becoming absent, due to their ill-health.
Head over to the Ystradgynlais Mind website to find out more!
Mums Matter is a National Mind programme that was created by Mums for Mums with babies up to two years old to help them to adjust to motherhood. Brecon and District Mind have been delivering it for nearly five years now. The six-week face to face course runs for groups of Mums for two hours each week; childcare is also provided.
There is a strong emphasis on peer support and being able to have honest conversations about the inevitable challenges that come with being a mum – tiredness, perhaps a loss of identity, anxiety, guilt and loneliness.
If you miss a course, there are always new courses coming up. The latest course starts in Brecon this week at the Subud Centre, and there is also a Mums' Social group during term time which is open to expectant Mums too. It's a great place to chit chat and get to know the Family Team at Brecon & District Mind.
Find out more on the Brecon & District Mind website.
If you are experiencing grief and loss and would like to connect with others who have, or who are undergoing, a similar experience, why not consider going along to Mid & North Powys Mind’s Bereavement Cafe.
It takes place on the first Friday of every month at All Saints’ Church in Newtown at 6.30pm.
The cafe is part of a Bereavement Support service offered by the organisation. You can be matched with a Bereavement Supporter who will work alongside you, listening and helping you work through your grief in your own way, on a one to one basis. Your Bereavement Supporter is a volunteer who has undergone extensive training.
Each session will last about an hour and will continue for an average of 6 sessions. Support can be face to face and/or telephone/Zoom, depending on what works for you. Anything you say is kept in the strictest confidence, unless someone’s safety is at risk.
Check out the Mid & North Powys Mind website to find out more.
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Ponthafren - the Gym
Ponthafren recently announced the opening of the new Ponthafren Gym at the Armoury in Welshpool.
It has been shown that doing physical activity can help improve your mental health. Physical activity can help with:
- Sleeping better.
- Feeling happier.
- Managing stress.
- Managing anxiety or intrusive thoughts.
- Improving self image.
Come along and join for a Healthy Mind & Body with Ponthafren. Membership is just £15 per month. You must complete a compulsory induction before using the equipment.
All you need to know is on the Ponthafren website.
We wish our local mental health charities all the best for Welsh Charities Week 2023!
Long may they continue to support our communities.
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