Support for new mums in lockdown – Ystradgynlais Mind

Credit: u_njsabyvh

“There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.” 

Mums Matter, Ystradgynlais Mind

It’s very hard to imagine what it must be like to become a new mum during a pandemic. Some of the words that come instantly to mind – isolating, lonely, anxiety-inducing, and exhausting as well as joyful and exciting. Then there is the grief of not being able to share those all-important first milestones of a baby’s development with close family and friends.

The difficulties of coping with what could anyway be a very difficult time in a woman’s life have, over the past twelve months, been magnified many times over, with very real implications for her wellbeing and mental health. Support is more important than ever.

One of the clients of the Ystradgynlais Mind Mums Matter courses tells us what it has been like for her.

How are you? Just you, not ‘how are you and baby?’ Just you. As a mother, this is something I often forget about. I am separate from my baby, even if a lot of the time I don’t feel that way. We are programmed to be our baby’s everything, and this is not a bad thing. 

I have loved becoming a mother, my son is now 14 months old and it’s been the best, hardest, happiest, most challenging, inspiring, demanding, amazing and emotional 14 months of my life. There are days when I think I feel every emotion possible and other days where I have no idea what I have felt or even what I have done. Some days I feel like I’ve ‘won’ at being Mami to my son and two dogs, at being wife, at being homemaker and all the other personas that I am. Whereas other days I feel like I have failed to be good at anything. 

Learning to accept that some days I feel like I have succeeded, and other days I haven’t, has been hard, and I sometimes still struggle with feeling like I’ve failed. The saying ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ is an important message to remember at the moment.

Credit: miapowterr

Lockdown is hard, it’s hard for everyone. We all miss our extended family and our friends. Having a baby, toddler or small child during lockdown brings its own challenges, not only for baby but for us as parents too. When you add a mental health issue into the mix things are even more challenging. 

I have bipolar, which has its challenges on ‘normal’ days. Lockdown has been an emotional roller-coaster for me. Some days I feel like I’m only just surviving, that I’m going to break any minute. At times I feel like sitting in a corner and crying. I feel like I’m not giving my son what he needs, that I’m a bad mother. Having a little time, even if it’s only five minutes, for self-care in whatever form that takes makes these days a little easier to get through. Often I feel guilty about having a hot cup of tea (why do babies know when you have just made a cuppa?), a bath, 10 minutes sat on the sofa, a nap, or even just going for a wee by myself (I’m hoping it’s not just me that doesn’t get to do that very often!). I know I shouldn’t feel guilty and it’s important to take these moments.

My son has congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) which means we see several different health professionals. Lockdown has meant that appointments have been cancelled and others we have managed to have via phone call and video call. Although this is a solution, it is not the same as actually seeing a professional. For example, a video call with a physiotherapist was difficult - it was hard for her to assess my son and it was difficult for her to then advise and show me what I need to do at home to help his development.

Jodie and Sophie
Mums Matter facilitators at Ystradgynlais Mind

Being stuck in the house has also been difficult for me. Since having my son I have enjoyed going places more than I used to. I enjoy taking him places where he enjoys, learns, explores and gets to experience new things. I think my son is finding it hard to be in the same four walls, with the same people and same toys all the time. It’s hard to know how to help him overcome this. Coping with being stuck in the house all the time is the main thing I struggle with. I’ve been making the most of the sunshine and spending time in the garden, and I almost enjoy shopping as I get to leave the house! I video call with my Mum most days and have weekly contact with a mental health support group for parents, Mums Matters. Both of which help to get me through each week.

I miss Mami (Mammy/Mummy/Mama) conversations. Conversations where you can say, ‘my little one has started doing/not doing this or that’, and someone says back to you, ‘yeah we went through that stage’, or even, ‘that’s not something we have had to deal with’. I miss conversations that revolve round your small human that you care for and try to understand, conversations where you throw around ideas and suggestions that may help or where everyone is as baffled as you are about what may or may not work to help. I also miss having non-baby related conversations with these same people.

Being part of the Mums Matter course online has helped as it gives me that support. It has helped me to accept that I can’t be perfect. It’s also really helped me to remember that self-care is important and that I need to look after myself to be able to look after my son. I’ve learned a great phrase that I try to remember when I am feeling overwhelmed and there’s no time for me: ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’. It’s so true, and although it often feels impossible right now, I have to remember to take care of my own mental health, to take care of my son.

The Mums Matter course at Ystradgynlais Mind is currently available virtually via Zoom. It is for mums who have babies / children from birth to 4 years and struggling with their mental health, loneliness, feeling anxious or struggling with being a mum. The 7 sessions over 7 weeks provide mums with a collection of tools and reminders to nurture themselves and keep well. Weekly peer support through Zoom is also available.

For further information ring Jodie on 07946 664 227, email counselling@minditv.org.uk or message the Ystradgynlais Mind Mums Matter Facebook page, Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm.

Reaching out to people made homeless in Powys

Two Community Connectors working at Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, Lynda Rogers - South and Rebecca Henderson - North, have been allocated to work directly with clients presenting as homeless via Powys County Council. They will be coordinating the Third sector (voluntary) support which is required by individuals.

I caught up with Lynda and Rebecca to find out more about this important work.

Why are two from the Connectors’ team best placed to carry out this work?

Within the Connector team there is a vast knowledge and experience of the third sector homelessness support, and of working with third sector organisations to find the most appropriate support for the client. This would be after having a conversation with the individual about what really matters to them.

Will you be working closely with other agencies?

Yes, we will be working as part of a triage team of support across Powys. We will be supporting clients either virtually, within a HUB multi agency drop in session, or 1:1 as deemed most appropriate and as suitable. (Currently we are working within the restrictions of Covid-19 and we are not delivering 1:1 support face to face).

The Connectors have vast experience of arranging, hosting and delivering ‘drop in’ information support sessions across Powys. For example, pre Covid some Connectors would hold weekly drop in sessions at library or health settings.

How is somebody referred in for this support?

Referrals are made into the service via our duty system. Upon receiving a referral the duty officer will assign it to the relevant Connector via our Customer Record Management system (CRM). Our duty system operates from 9am - 4pm, Mon - Fri, with an out of hours answerphone system also in place. Referral can also be received via email to a dedicated duty email account.

We have in fact been given a large list from the outset and professionals are referring new clients to us as they add them to the temporarily accommodated clients/ homeless people list.

Tell us more about how the support works

We will work with the client addressing the ‘What Matters conversation’. On identifying the presenting issues we will coordinate the support for the client, accessing the most appropriate and timely third sector support available. We work closely with third sector organisations including POBL, the Mind groups, Ponthafren Association, Age Cymru Powys and Powys Citizens Advice bureau.

As Connectors we will work with other professionals within the partnership (see below) to support the client, address any issues, and ensure clear communication regarding the support that is being given and obtained.

Our work will ensure that support is given in a timely manner, taking into account the fact that most clients are housed in temporary housing accommodation and need to receive support in order to move into more appropriate housing.

Which other organisations are in this partnership?

We are attending the meetings of housing teams and the Homeless Cell Multi-agency group. The latter is a multi agency group formed during Covid-19 to plan support for individuals presenting as homeless. We attend the meetings to ensure that true partnership support is in place for the client. We also inform partners of the support obtained to date, the progress of the support and input into discussions regarding clients.

The added benefit of the Connectors attending a team meeting is also to inform Powys County Council Housing staff of third sector support that is available so that they can more readily support other clients they may be working with.

What experience does the Connectors’ service bring to this work?

The Connector Service has previous experience of working within other teams such as the Dementia Home Treatment Team and the Winter Pressures Co-ordination team, for example, to deliver third sector support to clients.

What can lead someone to become homeless in Powys?

Many things! Every case is different. It could be a breakdown of family relationships. Perhaps parents are not able to accommodate an older child over sixteen. Also there is an unstable private rentals sector and the cost of private rentals can be prohibitive for people.

Homelessness can have a massive negative impact on a person’s mental health.

During the first Covid lockdown in March homeless people were regarded as vulnerable and in priority need. This approach is continuing in the Phase 2 Homelessness Project.

Have you had any feedback about the project so far?

Feedback from clients:

'Hi just wanted to say thanks for your help recently with warm regards.'

'It's been really helpful talking to you, thanks.'

‘I would not have raised the issue with my manager, if you had not pointed out I am being bullied, by accepting the name calling from my colleagues.'

'Thanks so much for helping me find financial support to pay for the vet to look after my cats.'

Feedback from officers:

‘This is great work. We can’t believe the amount of voluntary organisations in Powys who are able to help support people.’

What are the most challenging areas of this work?

The work can be emotionally draining as well as politically upsetting and frustrating.

What are the most rewarding aspects?

Being part of a team where everyone is working towards the same goals, and helping individuals gain support whilst in crisis.

When you are not working as Community Connectors how do you like to spend your spare time?

We enjoy hanging out with our families, cooking, reading novels, gardening and walking footpaths.

Many thanks to Lynda and Rebecca for telling us about their work supporting homeless people. If you would like to find out more you can contact them by emailing: community.connectors@pavo.org or tel: 01597 828649.

Mums Matter in a Changing World

Ros Sandhu, Mums Matter facilitator

In our latest blog post Ros Sandhu, a Mums Matter Facilitator, explains how the support that Brecon and District Mind provides has been adapted to continue to safely help families who are living through the pandemic.

I am one of the two Mums Matter Facilitators. My background is in education and I was a secondary school teacher for 20 years before training to be a Health and Wellbeing Facilitator.

I have a special interest in using mindfulness techniques to enhance our health and wellbeing. I am mum to 2 daughters who are 12 and 18 and, like most women with children, I recognize that the journey that I have been on since becoming a mum has been by far the most powerful and important part of my life with many challenges, as well as opportunities for growth. 

I joined the team in April 2020 and it feels wonderful to be using my experiences and skills to be supporting women with the most important and difficult job that we face. I passionately believe that sharing experiences is by far the most helpful and healing part of any support service because we feel less alone, we connect with others and learn that it is not just us or our ‘fault’. We are reminded that this is all part of the messy business of simply being a human being. 

I would encourage any mums with babies to get in touch; you will almost certainly meet some like-minded women and feel supported through your experiences of motherhood. In these especially challenging times, the Mums Matter Team are here for you.

Practicing our Zoom skills: I’m at the top, Sarah is next & Clare Searle, our fantastic administrator, is next.

My colleague Sarah James has worked as a Mums Matter Facilitator since 2019. She is a proud mum to a 3 year-old little boy and her empathy, warmth and current life experiences make her wonderfully approachable – she is great at keeping things very real. Sarah has a background in community and youth work, and she is also a trained counsellor.

Sarah says, “I have experienced the same challenges as many other mums have, especially during lockdown - juggling childcare, working from home, and getting shopping slots. I also know that the techniques that we teach in Mums Matter really work as I use them every day." 

It feels especially important at the moment, to be able to share the Mums Matter toolkit with mums to help them get through each day. I would encourage mums to get in touch – these techniques are tried and tested, and take it from me, they really work!”

A bit of background …

The basic premise of the whole Family Support Service at Brecon and District Mind is that happy and supported parents equals happy and healthy children.

The original Mums Matter was co-produced by a group of Mums in Peterborough with national Mind, who then led and supported local Minds in the UK to deliver the programme alongside Mind Cymru for Powys.

It is an 8 week programme which offers groups of around 6 - 8 mums an informal weekly 2 hour workshop where they can share their experiences of early motherhood and also learn some very practical tools and coping techniques to help them manage things like negative self-talk and develop a greater understanding of the importance of self-care. 

At the heart of the approach is the idea that amazing things happen when women support each other and there are many ways to be a great mum. Crucially in the original Mums Matter course, we provide a creche facility during the weekly 2 hour meet ups and so mums have the time and headspace to really focus on themselves and even get to drink a hot cup of tea!

In Brecon, Mums Matter has been running for over 3 years, originally with Deborah Wilkie as the only facilitator. It has become a highly successful and popular programme and as such now employs 2 facilitators in the Mums Matter team funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Deborah now oversees Brecon & District Mind’s growing Family Support Service which also provides a peer group for Dads, as well as family support for parents with older children, both one to one and in a group setting – this has also all been moved online.

“I would like to thank the amazing support from the Mums that have attended the programme. They have been hugely inspiring and great advocates by promoting and sharing their own experiences of the programme to other Mums in groups and the wider community." Debs x

We see our role as facilitating peer support for parents by providing spaces where mums and dads can talk openly about the challenges that they are experiencing and have the space to feel listened to. We also introduce them to some very practical tools and skills that they can use to take care of themselves and manage the inevitable stresses of family life.

Mums Matter in a Changing World

Mums Matter in a Changing World is our remote version of Mums Matter – it is delivered using Zoom (the online communication platform) and we meet together online for an hour a week, for 8 weeks. We chose the name ‘Mums Matter in a Changing World’ to reflect how different and difficult things currently are for people, because of the pandemic, and how quickly things have, and will continue to change. We offer one to one support on the phone and in texts in between the sessions as well.

“It was so comforting to learn that other mums have been having the same feelings and experiences as me. Actually seeing their faces and hearing their voices has made me feel less alone.”  Mum July 2020

In our first Mums Matter in a Changing World course we have found the mums have needed to share their understandable sense of loss. Most of our mums gave birth around the time that Covid 19 was already in the community. As a result of this they have not been able to spend their maternity leave as they imagined. For example, they haven’t been able to share the cuddles with their newborns with families and friends. Some mums were not able to have the shared birth experience that they had planned. 

Mums have been faced with many other challenges for example, due to lockdown, finding novel ways to weigh their babies at home and grappling with the challenges of breast feeding and establishing routines. They have truly tapped into their motherly instincts; over and again, we have been struck by the resilience and tenacity that they have shown.

“I am finding it really helpful to talk through the decisions that I am having to make with the facilitators and the other mums – there is the pull of wanting to keep my baby safe and the push of wanting to return to some kind of normality and see friends and family.”  Mum, July 2020

As lockdown is easing mums are facing a whole new set of challenges and dilemmas. How much risk to take in terms of meeting up with friends and families and perhaps a reminder of how much the world has changed. Mums are having to balance their needs as mums with the safety of their babies and families within an environment of constantly changing government guidelines and scientific understanding of the virus still unfolding. The project can provide a safe space to start to look at these and to share the experiences that they are having and some tools and techniques to manage the understandable anxiety that many are facing. 

The next Mums Matter in a Changing World course will start in September and we will also be back doing face to face courses as soon as it is safe to do so. 

To find out more about this specially adapted remote Mums Matter course by Zoom call Sarah on 07535 385 512 or Ros on 07399 583 415.

Bereavement support in Powys

Powys Bereavement Project Stakeholder Engagement Event 2019

As I write some 93 people from Powys have sadly died due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Across the UK as a whole the huge number of deaths is hard to take in by anyone; sometimes it’s just another awful statistic at the end of our day, but for the close family members and friends of those who have been lost to this awful disease, the pain will be only too real. 

Today we talk to Charity Garnett, a Palliative Care Nurse for North Powys and a Bereavement Project Co-ordinator, to find out more about bereavement support services in the county. 

First tell us what brought you to work in the field of palliative care nursing?

My Dad died suddenly when I was 15, so I understood earlier than most about the impact of death and dying. 

Then when I was 22, my Grandma died really beautifully, over Christmas, in a local hospital. I saw the way the nurses supported her, and supported us, and I thought ‘that is a real job.’ 

It was another 8 years before I trained as a nurse, but I always knew I wanted to work with dying people and their families. It is the biggest honour in the world to support people at these important moments.

What is your role as a Palliative Care Nurse?

I support people and their loved ones with the full range of things that affect them when approaching the end of life. From helping with physical problems like pain or nausea, to practical and financial worries, and emotional and spiritual support. We help people to think about the future and explore what is most important to them - we call it ‘advance care planning’ and it can be so helpful. The My Life, My Wishes project in Powys is brilliant. Anyone can download the documents here.

What key qualities does a good Palliative Care Nurse need to have?

Compassion is key and an open mind. It is so important to remember that everyone deals with death differently, just as they deal with life differently, and none of us know how we will feel about approaching the end of our lives until we get there ourselves. You have to be able to build relationships over a long time, and work with other health and social care professionals, and be good at co-ordinating often complicated situations. Good self-care is important, because supporting people with so much loss all the time means you need to have good reserves.

Tell us about the Bereavement Project – why now, and how it started.

We were aware in palliative care that we supported people really closely up until someone died, and then we would always call and often visit, but then for relatives sometimes the really hard work of grieving begins. People living with grief often struggle to know what they need or make decisions. Across Wales people are recognising bereaved people need more support and information. People grieve in very individual ways, but there are some common themes and we know some kinds of losses need more support for example children and young people, people bereaved by suicide, sudden and traumatic deaths.

We started by inviting everyone with an interest together to share experience and vision what excellent bereavement support would look like in Powys – and that is what we are now working towards.

Which organisations do you work most closely with on the Bereavement Project? And which organisation might it surprise us to find out you work with?

We’ve worked very closely with the bereavement charity Powys Cruse, our local hospices, and Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, and many of their members have been brilliant. Grief and loss are a part of life so there is no part of our community that is not affected. The police and the ambulance service have been really motivated to be involved, as they are often there at traumatic moments, and then worry about what support is available for people later on.

Many people who are currently struggling to cope with grief caused by the loss of a loved one may not know about the Bereavement Project. How do they access support?

With the pandemic, grieving has become even more challenging for many people. We have put together some advice and local organisations that people can contact. The new Powys Teaching Health Board website has just been launched and will soon feature a whole page on bereavement resources. All our local Community Connectors are aware of local support for people dealing with bereavement. I am also really happy for people to contact me directly at charity.garnett@wales.nhs.uk

People’s reactions to grief can vary widely. Can you give us some examples, and also of the types of death aside from COVID-19 

Grief can seep into all areas of your life, and people can feel like their brain isn’t functioning very well, have difficulty eating and sleeping. They may feel angry, sad, overwhelmed, numb, relieved – so many different emotions. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and it often comes in waves, especially around anniversaries, birthdays or big life events. My favourite quote about grief is ‘Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot… Grief is just love with no place to go.’ Jamie Anderson

In Powys during the pandemic, a lot of our deaths have been more difficult for patients, their families, and staff because of visiting restrictions in care homes and hospitals. Even people at home have struggled with decisions about seeing family or not close to the end. Goodbyes can be so important for people. I’ve encouraged some people who didn’t feel they said what they wanted to say to write a letter to their loved one who has died, even 15 or 20 years later. Although you can’t send it, expressing the feelings can be really helpful in releasing them.

People can grieve the loss of a pet just as much as a family member. Does the project provide support in these cases?

That is so true, my dog died two years ago and I cried for months – they have such an unconditional place of love in our lives. The Blue Cross provides support on 0800 096 6606 in the UK. Rainbows Bridge also has an online forum for people grieving pets. A fantastic resource is The Good Grief Trust, which was set up by bereaved people, for bereaved people. You can type in the kind of loss you have experienced, and where you live, and it will give you a range of options for support.

The Llanidloes Tenovus Choir performing at the Engagement event

What do you suggest to family and friends when someone they know is bereaved, and really struggling with grief, but finds it hard to ask for help?

I think just being alongside someone, for the long haul, is the best you can do. I often suggest taking the lead from them, and asking them what they do want. Sometimes people just want to talk about something normal, or be distracted for a while. Finding ways to show them you care, which might be very practical, can be very helpful. Sometimes it can take a long time for someone to seek help. There are a big range of support organisations out there, sometimes doing someone’s research for them can help – they can then decide to make the call to reach out.

If you could change one thing in the bereavement support world what would it be?

That we recognise that grief and loss is a part of life, and we don’t need to hide it away from ourselves, and from each other. When we lose someone, or something we love, it is totally natural that we would grieve and feel sad. I wish it held a more honoured place in our culture, it can feel like the thing that everyone feels but no one wants to talk about!

When you are not working as a Palliative Care Nurse, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I find being in nature very supportive, with my lovely dog. I enjoy dancing, meditation, hanging out with children, and being near (or in) the sea. I read a lot – if I could recommend one book it would be Kathryn Mannix’s ‘With the end in mind’ – it contains so much practical wisdom. 

Many thanks to Charity for telling us all about her work as a Palliative Care Nurse. If you want to find out more about the Bereavement Project you can contact Charity by emailing charity.garnett@wales.nhs.uk

You can also find out more about Powys Palliative Care Services.

My colleague Jen Hawkins wrote more about the launch of the Powys Bereavement Project held in December 2019 in her post It's Time to Talk about Dying.

Small Steps adapting to Covid-19

by guest author Diane Williams
Project Manager, Rekindle

Rekindle's Small Steps Project enjoys a challenge, and this was put to the test with the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown commencing in March. At the start of the lockdown period we recognised some of our current clients were living alone or estranged from family members. We were able to prepare clients for the possible lockdown and were kept busy ensuring they had enough food and medication to reduce any panic. We continued to remain open ensuring we could do so safely following government guidelines to keep everyone safe.

We have worked tirelessly to support every person who has needed it throughout the lockdown, with no two days being the same. Every person who has contacted Small Steps, be it by telephone or visiting our office, has received the support they required. We have turned no one away. 

Despite our criteria being 16 - 25 years old we have allowed some flexibility, with the eldest person to receive our support being 84 years old and shielding. Our support has included a listening ear, support through a crisis, shopping and collecting and delivering medication. We even helped to fix a dog pen to prevent her dog getting free.

It has been a challenging time for everyone with a number of clients experiencing feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety. Without a safe office environment to visit their mental health may have deteriorated further. We recognised not everyone feels comfortable speaking on the phone, or doing a video call, so it has enabled anyone struggling to cope with a mental health concern or a practical problem, no matter what age, to call in and receive the support they need. 

We are looking forward to returning to some normality, for now though we will keep smiling and look forward to each new day whatever it may bring.

Quotes from Small Steps' clients

“During Covid-19 and lockdown Small Steps helped prevent me from being homeless and doing something unpredictable. I was able to avoid being a victim of domestic violence and was able to give my wife the space she needed. 

Before I received support from Small Steps I would not have managed in such a calm manner. I would have acted irresponsiblly, ensuring I get arrested, as this was all I knew to ensure a place to stay and prevent me sleeping on the streets. 

I have gained a different way to cope, remembering to follow and use different coping techniques, and if that does not help I am able to contact Diane or Kemal or a peer support who I can talk to without being judged, and I always feel understood and listened to."

Anon - (24)

“Small Steps have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic no matter how big or small the situation. I myself am incrediblly thankful that they remained open during these difficult times for everyone. 

Diane and Kemal came to see me out of hours on a Sunday after experiencing a domestic violence incident. Without having them to speak to, and keep me positive and my hopes up, finding me a place to stay along with a food parcel, I genuinely don’t know what sort of situation or head space I would be in at present. 

I am forever grateful that this charity exists, I don’t have any family support since being estranged from them so in some way I consider Small Steps to be my second family.”

P.B (19)

Rekindle's Small Steps Project works with younger people aged 16 to 25 in North Powys to offer early intervention for those at risk of mental health problems or those already suffering mental distress such as depression, anxiety or who are self-harming.

Find out more on the charity's website or Facebook pages. You can also ring: 01686 722222 or email: hello@smallsteps.wales

Mental health charities in Powys - innovating for lockdown

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic I have been amazed by the speed and efficiency with which mental health charities across Powys have been able to adapt the delivery of their usual services to meet the demands of the “new normal”. Most have also developed new and innovative services. Like all of us the people running these charities have faced the sometimes conflicting challenges of trying to meet the needs of their members and clients whilst at the same time the requirement to safeguard their hard-working and committed staff and volunteers. 

The headline news is that - whether online, on the phone, or even - at a social distance - providing a face to face service, your mental health charities are still there for you.

Here are some of the changes they have made over the last four months. These changes are to help support people’s general wellbeing during this difficult time but also to continue addressing more serious underlying emotional distress whether related to Covid-19 or not.

Mid & North Powys Mind

Mid & North Powys Mind staff pre-pandemic

Due to the pandemic we had to close all of our in-person groups and our building to the public, but we have been supporting people on a one to one, remote basis instead (phone, WhatsApp video call, text, etc). We have also continued to support new people during this time. 

We moved our training courses online straight away and have been delivering these via Zoom video conferencing. Courses have included: Hypnotherapy for Relaxation, Recharging & Healing, Stress & Anxiety Management, Keeping Mentality Fit and we have Managing your Emotions running in July. The Mums Matter courses are delivered online now as well, along with a number of regular Mums Peer Support groups across mid & north Powys.

Mid & North Powys Mind continued doing in-person crisis work from the start of the pandemic, for the people that needed that additional support. And now we are moving to a more mixed approach of part in-person work, outside at a social distance, and part remote work, with people. This will much better enable us to support new people, as it is so much easier to build an open and trusting relationship in-person and keeping the part remote element will enable us to have a space to share very sensitive or confidential information, which is not always possible outside.

Our Blended Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy service, normally based at GP surgeries, has also moved remotely and is now open to referrals directly from the public, without the need to see your GP, which is a great step forward. We are also planning new Facebook Live broadcasts to showcase CBT and Silvercloud.

Facebook Live broadcasts have been incredibly popular. We've got three live shows running weekly at the moment: Tai Chi, Hypnotherapy for Relaxation, and Mindfulness. They have been getting over 1000 views per broadcast, 18,000 unique viewers this month alone and some really positive feedback. So we're expanding these broadcasts to include an introduction to CBT & Silvercloud, creative writing and general wellbeing tips from our THRIVE course. We have also started a Facebook chat & support group for our service users.

Our counselling service has moved to remote methods as well – mainly phone and WhatsApp video call. We have been lucky enough to secure a small amount of additional funding to expand this service.

We are working with Adrian Jones at Supporting People, who has a small pot of funding to enable Information Technology (IT) access for service users. That's been really good to help some of our service users get online, plus donated laptops from the Media Resource Centre, for our members.

Within our Outreach Groups, there are lots of people who are very vulnerable to the effects of Covid-19, and some people who are shielding. I think it's particularly hard on them because they're really missing the groups and social contact. We've been doing phone and virtual support, but many don't have internet access or have the tech skills to use online methods of communication. Recently, as lockdown restrictions have been eased, we have been supporting them to meet their peers in their gardens, to help them to feel more connected.

You can get in touch with us by messaging our Facebook page, calling the main number: 01597 824411 or texting: 07539 870 010.

Ponthafren Association

Claire Cartwright, Ponthafren Association Director, makes a dragon mosaic

At Ponthafren we were able to adjust very quickly to a virtual way of working.

All of our core services have continued, albeit in different ways, as well as maintaining contacts with those who need our services.

Our counselling services are continuing and what's been interesting is that there is 97% attendance at the moment, which is remarkable. This is something we are monitoring as we consider how and when we re-open the Ponthafren sites. I’m sure that some services will continue to be virtual whilst having a coordinated approach. The feedback of the virtual services has been extremely positive.

We have upped our social media presence since we've been in lockdown. So for Mental Health Awareness Week we talked about the Five Ways to Wellbeing each day. We encouraged staff to share their experiences during lockdown whether it was learning new skills, keeping in contact with others, being kind and being active. James did a marvellous job in scheduling the posts on numerous social media platforms.

In partnership with Adult Learning Wales we are continuing our life skills courses. The courses cover topics such as Coping with Change, Stress & Anxiety and Resilience & Emotional Wellbeing training online via Zoom.

We are also facilitating volunteer training. So far, it’s working really well in small groups – it can be tiring for the tutor but we always have a staff member in the sessions to help in case anyone needs particular assistance.

A really positive outcome of the forced lockdown has been the informal partnership formed in a direct response to the Covid situation in Newtown. The team involves working with the PAVO Community Connectors, the Town Council, the Salvation Army and one of the local churches. We were meeting daily but now twice a week. We've got 17 Angels working under the network, and approximately 150 Cherubs, who have all responded to the call out for help to help others in the locality. Ponthafren looks after the telephone line and helps to coordinate any call for help. For example: shopping, advice, picking up prescriptions, access to FREE food and specific support. Newtown is providing over 5000 free meals per week via local businesses and community groups.

We're also working with businesses as well, finding out how they can support the community and how we can support them. It's just having a really good community feel which is going to be really beneficial going forward. We've never had this many volunteers come forward in recent times. We really want to capture that and move forward with it.

But now my attention is to how and when we can reopen the Ponthafren sites whilst providing a safe environment for all; it’s going to be a challenge but one that the Ponthafren trustees and staff are keen to do as quickly as we can. Services and the setting may look different but the object of Ponthafren is to provide a caring community offering support to those in need and to promote positive mental health and well-being for all.

Oh, and I nearly forgot we are in the process of purchasing the Armoury in Welshpool. This will enable us to provide an exciting schedule of activities and will provide us with the space to respond to need in the locality.

We’ve been busy!

You can get in touch with us by messaging our Facebook page, calling the main number: 01686 621586 or emailing: admin@ponthafren.org.uk

Brecon & District Mind

Green Minds project, Brecon & District Mind

All our support is provided remotely by phone or online video call. We had some good news recently as the National Lottery is to fund our counselling service to expand it further for a year. The Green Minds project is very busy. They have set up their own website so that they can have interactive sessions on gardening and growing. They are going to be one of the first groups to do some 1:1 work outside using Brecon Cathedral’s walled garden. 

The Mums Matter Programme is now online. The mums’ support group is still happening on Zoom and that has been quite popular. There were some Mindfulness videos which went out in the beginning. Our Blended Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and our Social Prescribing projects are continuing remotely. Referrals to Mums Matter can be emailed to: mumsmatter@breconmind.org.uk

Active Monitoring is returning as Mind Cymru were successful in sourcing funding from Wales Council for Voluntary Action. The model has been adapted so that it can be used by phone, Zoom and WhatsApp starting 15 June across Powys (including Mid & North Powys Mind and Ystradgynlais Mind). We have three practitioners in place in our area and we're taking referrals and they can come from anywhere including GPs and self-referrals. Please email referrals to: activemonitoring@breconmind.org.uk

We have a YouTube channel where we have Mindfulness videos. We have a Covid-19 closed group on Facebook where people can share their concerns. We are posting a regular photo challenge on our Facebook page as well as keeping Twitter and Instagram up to date.

Val Walker, CEO said “For the first 10 weeks it was worryingly quiet. I anticipated the quiet but not for that long. But now, all of a sudden, requests for support are coming in. A police officer requested that we actually go out and see one of our clients. We did a face-to-face session outside which made me think that it was absolutely necessary for us to start thinking about going back to this way of working because that one person was so different after that face-to-face meeting. As some people don't like talking on the phone, our 1:1s will start on a gradual basis outside.”

You can get in touch with us by messaging our Facebook page, calling the main number: 01874 611529 or emailing: info@breconmind.org.uk

Ystradgynlais Mind

Ystradgynlais Mind receive a donation from Cwmtwrch Rugby Football Club

We're really pleased with how we managed to roll out our services to people during lockdown. Our biggest concern really is the people who are the most vulnerable in our community who would not normally attend our services. They tend to be older and don’t have access to IT. We managed to get some funding for some extra staff hours so that they can have more telephone support and we’re also trying to link them up so that people can stay connected.

At the beginning we worked really closely with the local Community Connector to do shopping and pick up prescriptions for people. We had an initial avalanche of referrals but that has slowed down. Our staff were all set up with laptops and filing cabinets to work from home.

We've been working quite closely with the local rugby clubs. And we had some extra funding for our Mums Matter course. This continues every Tuesday afternoon, and those in the peer group are still supporting each other. One of our members is writing a blog post every week.

We provided some Suicide Prevention training with the rugby clubs. Then they got together and did a 4,000 mile virtual journey from Cardiff to Scotland and they raised £2,000! So this brought in a lot of attention including from some celebrities in the rugby world. It’s raised our profile massively in the community.

Plus we had a grant from Mind Cymru for laptops for those without access to IT. One of our trustees was able to distribute those to try and reduce the impact of digital exclusion.

One of our Social Prescribing clients talking about the support we have given him during the coronavirus outbreak:

"I want to tell you how much you both have helped me over this difficult time. It would be so much harder to deal with all of this if I couldn’t speak to you both on your work phones. I can’t imagine how my emotions would have been without you both helping me.

I want to tell you both how helpful and understanding you have been to me, it’s hard for me to put into words how much you’ve helped me. Without the both of you my stress levels would have gone up and up. The support you have given me has been brilliant."

You can get in touch with us by messaging our Facebook page, or using the contact methods on our Contact us page.

Impacts on the Covid Kids

by guest blogger Evan Griffiths

Evan Griffiths is a Powys based singer songwriter. He is 16, is afraid of crabs, and finds talking about himself in the third person very weird. The lovely folks at PAVO asked him to do a blog post on the impacts of COVID-19 on him and the people he knows.

So what have the kids of the Powys area been up to since lockdown?

Well, obviously I can't speak for everyone but from what I've seen, it's a lot of video games. I spoke to some of my mates and we all agreed that without online games you can play together with other humans we'd all have gone mad months back. Personally I also find that on top of this finding a solid creative outlet is also vital for the whole “not going bananas” thing.

As you might expect I’ve made a lot of music since the world went on standby and I must say I've not had the worst time doing it! Since day 1 I tried my best to encourage my friends and strangers on the internet to take up something creative now that none of us can go outside. I even did a short YouTube sketch reviewing people's projects. It wasn't very good.

Also (shameless plug) I’ve been working towards opening the Radnor Fringe Festival on Friday the 19th of June at 7pm GMT so like go watch that, I put a lot of work into it.

Other fun projects I’ve encountered where: learning a new language, making art from loads of old rubbish (this one wasn't from a teenager but is still very cool), learning bass guitar, making animations, it's been really cool to see what people can do now that they have virtually unlimited time to do it. If ever there was a time to finally learn that skill you've been putting off learning, it's now!

What effects have these activities had?

I have become dependent on coffee and have not left the house in three days.

And everyone else?

Oh right yeah, it's been really interesting to see at what rates people start to lose their marbles from social isolation but certainly those of us who are used to not talking to people for a while did a fair bit better in the short term. By this point everyone has more or less acclimatised to our new and weird reality and are back to feeling how we normally do.

Since this blog is about mental health I’d like to do a short piece on that. A lot of kids get bullied in school. Personally, I had a really terrible time of it towards the end of high school with gossiping teenagers and all that awful stuff and so for some of us the release from our nine to three coke light prison in favour of staying inside most of the time actually resulted in a marked improvement in our self worth and ability to cope with problems and situations. It’s almost as if it's easier to do your thing without people constantly telling you how awful you are.

However, this wasn't the case for everyone. For a lot of people the school environment provides a set structure and support group and to lose that means it becomes a lot harder for that person to cope with everything that goes on in their lives. And as a person who values structure myself I can seriously empathise with this. So the impacts of specifically the lockdown can change massively from person to person to person.

This got really heavy really fast.

It did, didn't it? Still I think it's important for people to talk openly about mental health, even now when it feels like the world's caving in. When did this become a lecture? 

Anyway to go back to a previous point I genuinely believe the escapism offered by video games has saved me and many others at least a portion of our sanity. For a long time when i couldn't go out and see my friends we'd boot up a Minecraft world and play virtual Lego for 5 straight hours and that all might seem silly or trivial to a lot of you reading this after the serious topics discussed and frankly I don't blame you but even from a mental health point of view spending time with your friends has always been shown to be good. Whether that be sharing a bag of crisps or blowing them up in Team Fortress 2. 

You talked before about the more creative activities you and your friends have been up to since lockdown, care to elaborate on how COVID affects the creative process?

The big C hasn't so much changed the creative process as it has simply forced it to adapt. For example I used to go and sit in my mate's house writing songs for hours on end, now I play a lot of Minecraft.

Please stop talking about Minecraft.

Okay fine, one of the few things I’ve found that's actually pretty cool about this whole lockdown thing is that it's given me loads of time to pour my everything into what I enjoy doing, making music. However, I am so criminally bored. I cannot articulate to you just how bored I am. 

Last week I cleaned my room, by choice, out of boredom. THAT’S HOW POWERFUL THIS ISOLATION IS! I’m up to date on school work for the first time in 5 years. So whilst me and many others have enjoyed the extra time to work on projects, if I go much longer I might make a TikTok and then it's really over. And if you don't know what TikTok is, thank your lucky stars and know that I envy you greatly.

Any closing thoughts about the impacts of COVID on the youth?

Firstly, I hate the term “the youth” makes me sound like an old man. Secondly, is it me or does February feel like it occurred sometime around 1996? And finally, I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I bid you all an at least interesting rest of your day.

>>> l i n k s <<<

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banana bread recipe

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Staying well during lockdown - what are we doing?

by Owen Griffkin, Participation Officer

Artwork by Sarah Dale, Mental Health Individual Representative, for the Isolation Art Challenge

As we near the end of April the COVID-19 lockdown has been extended until mid-May at the earliest. We have all had to adapt and change our routines to keep ourselves safe, and this has meant new ways of coping with the stresses of isolation. One of the enduring themes to emerge from this crisis is the ability of people to make the best of what they have in their homes and surrounding areas to stay mentally and physically fit. It’s not easy though and sometimes it is good to look elsewhere for inspiration, so that our daily routine doesn’t start feeling like ‘Groundhog Day’. 

We thought we would catch-up with friends and colleagues of the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisation’s (PAVO) mental health team and find out what they have been doing to cope with the lockdown, and maybe give you some more ideas to change up your routine.

Clair Swales - Health and Wellbeing Team Manager, PAVO

Since COVID-19 I have re-started with my weightlifting efforts. I was getting into a rut. Returning home from work I needed to switch off and get into home mode and weightlifting has really helped! As soon as I get in, I say a quick hello to the family and then get changed. If I hang around for too long I end up sitting on the sofa and then I find it difficult to get going again.

Weight lifting helps me to channel my stress levels and reduce any anxiety. I put the music on loud (I find rock music helps and that's not my normal ‘turn-to’ in music taste!); focusing on form and challenging myself to improve each week gives me closure on the day's work. I find that even after a short training session I can shut off my work brain until the next day.

You won't see me competing in weight lifting that's for sure but for me personally I see the benefits of reduced stress, improved sleep and increased energy levels. Don't be afraid to try it even with light weights, or improvise with cans of beans!

Here's an article on weight lifting and wellbeing.

Joy Garfitt - Assistant Director Mental Health Services, Powys Teaching Health Board

Rhodri & Nerys - two of Joy's lockdown companions

I am one of the residents of Powys who has received a letter from Welsh Government encouraging me to ‘self-isolate’ so that I may be ‘shielded’ from catching COVID-19 (hopefully) – however this doesn’t mean that I needed to become a hermit and enter the world of daytime TV!

Fortunately, my job in the NHS lends itself to being able to work from home during this time, although I miss my normal contact and conversations with patients and colleagues. Thankfully, enter the world of Skype, Zoom, Facetime etc. which has enabled me to keep in contact with colleagues, friends and family – we have even set up a weekly Mental Health ‘virtual coffee morning’ where we can have an informal catch up, and compare our collective need for access to a hairdresser and get a break from self-isolating, homeworking and the endless amount of video conferences.

I have been making the most of my daily exercise allowance and have been regularly heading out on my bike and taking in the beautiful sights of rural Radnorshire. Thankfully, our rural lanes are perfect for not seeing anyone and the excellent weather has provided the motivation I needed, along with my two companions, Rhodri and Nerys.

Lucy Harbour - Mental Health Participation Manager, PTHB

Two weeks into homeworking I found myself getting a bad back and feeling generally uncomfortable. After a spontaneous visit to a famous online retailer I bought myself a hula hoop to try and get me moving a bit more and inject a bit of fun back into my days – and I’m so glad I did!

Now, after a long day sitting at the desk I can get out in the garden and hula hoop to my heart’s content (and neighbour’s horror!)

Millie Griffiths - Occupational Therapist on Felindre Ward, Bronllys Hospital, PTHB

During the lockdown I have been trying to continue to engage in hobbies to fill my time and to provide me with a focus. Usually I would play football but can’t so have taken up gardening. I had little knowledge of gardening before but I seem to be doing something right as the plants are growing!

Russell Pearce - Kaleidoscope Peer Support

My name is Russell, I am an addict and sufferer of mental health problems. I am also an ex-professional boxer. I have built a gym in my garage to help me relieve stress. Exercise takes me out of my head and I feel at peace. Stay active, stay safe.

Sarah Dale - Individual Representative on the Powys Mental Health Partnership

During this lockdown it is not surprising that my mental health, like many others, has got worse. Routine has gone out of the window, and my ability to do my go-to distraction technique, knitting, has gone with it too. So I started off by spending my time playing Resident Evil games on my laptop, scrolling Facebook, sleeping and binge-watching Netflix. 

On one of my many Facebook scrolling sessions I found a Facebook group called the Isolation Art Challenge. There was a list of 30 days with 30 different teams (the list has now been expanded to 60 days). You can take as long as you want completing each piece and you CAN do them in any order if you fancy, and post your finished pieces in the group. I thought I would use this as an opportunity to practice using my Promarkers (alcohol-based graphic makers). It has given me a goal to complete, distraction, a community to share with and something to pass the time. People seem to love my work, and have messaged me to let me know they look forward to my art popping up on their Facebook timeline. I have also had requests from people to draw portraits. I decided to start an Instagram account just for my art. Who needs exercise when you have most of the day to perfect a masterpiece! (joking! do get some fresh air).

Freda Lacey - Mental Health Partnership Manager, PTHB

My usual practice, meditation, mindful wood walking, gardening/planting veg, feeding the birds/listening to the amazing bird song, quilting/getting on with projects left in my cupboard unfinished, writing letters and cards to family and friends, learning to paint (with Bob Ross!).

Jess Tanner - Green Minds Facilitator, Brecon Mind

As the weeks in lockdown go by and as the days start to blend into one another I have been seeking ways in which to bring more attention into my daily life. Spring is such a dynamic and exciting time in nature and I have been leaning more and more into my practice as a gardener and a walker, trying to find some stillness within to notice and learn more about this changing world around us. 

At the beginning of April I started a “Phenology Wheel” as a way to document the events taking place in the natural world, within my garden and along the walks I have been taking. Creating the wheel has helped me to stay connected to the realities within myself and my local area, as well as making me feel hugely grateful for the landscape that surrounds me, filling each day with something new.

A Phenology wheel is a circular, daily calendar that encourages a regular routine of nature observation. It requires very few resources, just a paper and pen.

Have a look at the Green Minds project.

Em Charles - Green Minds, Brecon Mind

I find journaling useful when overwhelmed by unhelpful thoughts. Writing things down can help shift our worries from inside our heads to the outside, giving them space to be reflected upon. It can also be used creatively to express your feelings, through art, poetry, photography and collaging, so can become a nice record of our experiences day to day.

Here’s is a great how-to video on getting started with journaling. 

There are some great suggestions and links above, but we really want to hear what you have been up to. Please reply on our social media (Facebook or Twitter) or below this blog and let us know the activities you have been doing to keep physically and mentally well during the lockdown. If you have photos even better!

Or you can email us at mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk or call 01686 628300.

#StayHomeStaySafe