Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle and Garden

Cared for by National Trust Cymru, Powis Castle and Garden is a much-loved property in the north of Powys on the outskirts of Welshpool.

From the world-class garden, with its 17th century Italianate terraces and gigantic clipped yews, there are stunning views for miles over the picturesque countryside surrounding this Medieval castle. A visit can in itself be a boost to emotional wellbeing as we respond to the beauty of the gardens and engage with Nature.

Recently we were excited to hear about Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle, which are open to anyone and focus on improving mental health and wellbeing whilst being surrounded by the beauty of nature. We got in touch with Alison Dunne, Senior Volunteering and Community Officer there, to tell us more.

What is your role at Powis Castle? 

From being a history student to bringing my own children to visit, I have always enjoyed visiting Powis and other National Trust places. The different outdoor spaces and heritage sites gave us endless days out wherever we happened to be.

My role at Powis is to open up opportunities to different people through volunteering and to encourage local people to enjoy Powis and everything we have to offer at this special place.

Most of our visitors live outside our local area. Part of my role has been to connect with local community groups to find out what they feel is a barrier to them coming to visit us at Powis and trying to overcome those barriers so they can fully enjoy this fantastic place right on their doorstep.

Powis’ community ambition is to support the wellbeing of the local community and inspire people to become advocates of the National Trust.

What happens on the weekly Wellbeing Wednesday?

Wellbeing Wednesdays take place every Wednesday morning at 10am and are open to anyone who would like to come along and join in. Whilst for the most part the sessions will be a chance to soak up the beauty on a walk around our stunning gardens, we also have several special sessions planned.

To mark #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, on Wednesday 17 May we held a Singing for Wellbeing session led by Cathy Beech of Angel Voices Singing. On June 14 we’re looking forward to a Mindfulness Walk with Catherine Waterfall from Good4Mind, and on 12 July we are running a gentle yoga session on the lawn in our tranquil Edwardian Formal Garden.

Where did the idea come from for Wellbeing Wednesday?

Following the pandemic, we recognised that there was a need for people to connect with nature to enhance wellbeing. This is the belief on which the National Trust was founded.

'The need of quiet, the need of air, and I believe the sight of sky and of things growing, 

seem human needs.’   Octavia Hill, National Trust Founder

After promoting the Wales Wellbeing Pass to local groups, we felt it would be good to have a designated time for members of those groups to come together, socialise, and share access to all that Powis has to offer. It’s important that those who are socially isolated or who may feel nervous about coming alone can enjoy an understanding and welcoming space.

Who can take part, is there a cost, and is booking required?

Everyone is welcome to come along and take part in our free Wellbeing Wednesday sessions, normal admission charges apply to non-members. No booking is required, just join us at 10am in the Visitor Welcome Cabin on the day.

What is the Wales Wellbeing Pass?

The Wales Wellbeing Access Pass is available to any group who lead activities that support the health and wellbeing of their members. At a cost of £45 per year, the pass allows groups of up to 50 people at a time to visit any National Trust Cymru site in Wales.

What are the benefits of joining in at the Wellbeing Wednesday sessions at Powis Castle?

The National Trust was established for everyone, for ever, and we’re delighted to be supporting the wellbeing of our local community, and working to ensure everyone feels welcome and can benefit from this special place. It’s fantastic to see the garden being enjoyed by so many local people.

It is widely recognised that access to beautiful spaces, nature and the outdoors has a positive effect on mood by offering sessions such as mindfulness, yoga and singing we hope we can encourage people to use different strategies to improve their mental and physical health.

Tell us more about working with Ponthafren and Credu

Our first community project was setting up the community garden here at Powis, which is located in an underused area of the garden, off the visitor route. Surrounded by ancient trees and next to a scenic pond, it is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful space to escape to.

Originally started in 2021 to combat isolation after the Covid-19 Pandemic, the community garden is run in partnership with Ponthafren as a place to gather, grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, learn new skills, and spend time in nature. The garden group is now flourishing and it’s fantastic to see friendships building and confidence growing. People interested in getting involved can contact admin@ponthafren.org.uk for more details.

Credu carers expressed a need to access beautiful spaces both for respite from their role, but also as a place to bring those they care for so they too can enjoy open space and a warm welcome. We’re working with them to overcome access barriers, and to design tailored visits to meet their particular needs for example, by offering an autism friendly “quiet visit” for families outside of normal opening hours.

I’m now working in partnership with Oldford Integrated Family Centre to trial a new individual access pass. Based on the concept of social prescribing the pass will give access to individuals whose mental or physical health would benefit from access to nature and heritage.

Tell us about the specialist sessions you are arranging, including singing, walking and mindfulness

As part of our Wellbeing Wednesdays, and to mark #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, on 17 May we held a Singing for Wellbeing session led by Cathy Beech of Angel Voices Singing.

Cathy said “I cannot wait to be surrounded by the beautiful venue of Powis Castle. I will be bringing my songs, guitar, backing tracks and vocal exercises to help you find your vocal joy. You don’t need to think you can sing, you just need to want to have some fun… it is about being in the moment and enjoying the ability to be present through singing. Please come and join me, you will have a fabulous, uplifting, life affirming time!”

As a special edition to our Wellbeing Wednesdays, on Wednesday 14 June we’re delighted to welcome Catherine Waterfall from good4mind.com to lead a Mindfulness Walk through the beautiful gardens here at Powis. Catherine’s guided walk will be an introduction to mindfulness which she says has proven stress-relieving benefits, particularly when practiced outdoors in nature. Catherine says, “As well as walking slowly and mindfully, I will be leading meditations at various points to savour the beauty of the gardens.” Come and meet us at 10.15am at the garden gate for a relaxing start to your day. It is free to join the guided walk, but normal admission prices apply.

Then on Wednesday 12 July we are running a gentle yoga session on the lawn in our beautiful formal garden.

What are the main challenges of your role?

The foundation the National Trust is to make “everyone welcome”, but this is not always as easy as it sounds and when I speak to some local groups I often find there are barriers that prevent some members of our local community from visiting.

My challenge is to identify what might be stopping them and then find a solution so that they do feel welcome, for example they may need access to a quiet space for a sensitive child, or level access to the garden to avoid our steep terraces. Of course, in the current financial climate, price is also a barrier, but we are hoping the Wellbeing Pass will overcome some of that pressure for community groups.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done at Powis Castle

The most rewarding work is often the most simple – giving people access! Powis itself does the rest. It’s been great to see the effect a visit to the stunning garden or the splendour of the castle can have on someone who has never experienced them before.

I’m particularly proud of the community garden. I have seen a really positive change and growth in its users over the years. Our Garden Leader, Cheri, was very unsure and lacking in confidence when she first came to the garden. Now she runs the group for Ponthafren and recently won recently won the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) Volunteer of the Year for the “Excellence in Health & Wellbeing” category for her work.

Does Wellbeing Wednesday take place at other National Trust properties – for example, if people are on day trips or holidays?

Wellbeing Pass groups are welcome to visit other properties throughout Wales using their pass. We just ask them to book through us if they have a large group.

What are the National Trust views on boosting positive mental health generally as this relates to visitors, volunteers and staff?

From the National Trust website… Walking in nature for wellbeing | National Trust

“Spending time in nature can actually reduce anxiety and depression, according to the ‘Nature and Mental Health Report’ produced by mental health charity Mind. It also states that being outside in natural light can lift a person's mood, especially during the winter.”

Some good thoughts on here too… Everyone needs nature | National Trust

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

I love being outdoors and enjoy walking, especially in beautiful scenery like the Lake District or direct from my door here in Mid Wales. I find I can lose myself in gardening and taking notice of what is happening in the garden throughout the year is a positive, uplifting experience. A garden is full of promise of better things to come. 

Many thanks to Alison for telling us about the Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle Garden in North Powys. If you would like to find out more you can email Alison - volunteeringpowis@nationaltrust.org.uk

Repping on the Carers’ Steering Group in Powys – as a young carer

Emily and her Mum

Emily Bleakley is a young carer and also a young carers’ rep on the new Carers’ Steering Group in Powys. The first steering group meeting was convened in November 2018 as part of the Powys Health & Care Strategy overseen by the Powys Regional Partnership Board.

A year on and it seemed like a good time to find out more about how the steering group is developing and working, so we caught up with Emily to find out more.

To start off could you give us a little background about your own caring role?

I started to call myself a young carer when I was 14 years old. Over the past two years my caring role has been quite varied. I used to be the primary carer for my mum who died last year from terminal bladder cancer. At the same time, I cared for my younger brother who has autism. However, since my mum's death, I now help my brother to process his grief whilst also helping around the house.

Who has provided support to you during your time as a carer?

At the beginning of my caring journey, I didn't really want to accept help as I thought what I was doing was normal. However, after having a conversation with some of my teachers at school, I decided to talk to an outreach worker from Credu Connecting Carers as I wanted to meet carers with similar experiences to me. Since that initial meeting two years ago, I have continued to work closely with Credu and I really value the support I receive from them.

Why did you decide to take up the opportunity as a rep on the Carers' Steering Group?

I really value advocacy opportunities to give my views on carer-related issues in Powys. When the email came through asking whether I'd like to take up the position, naturally I jumped at the opportunity to represent the voices of Powys' young carers.

What was the main reason for setting up the steering group and what are the main objectives now?

In my opinion, the reason for setting up the Carers' Steering Group was to share experience about the support available for carers in Powys and to ensure its future. Our main objective is to discuss the priorities within carers' support as well as to represent the carers of Powys in a way that allows support to target individual carers' needs. 

Emily with her brother & her Mum

How often does the group meet and who else is involved? 

The group meets three times a year at a minimum. However, there are occasions when an extraordinary meeting is necessary. This is always accommodated well to allow representatives time to look over any paperwork or prepare any presentations.

There are representatives from Credu Connecting Carers, Hafal Crossroads, Children's Services, Health Services, Education Services and Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.

What are the key issues for carers in Powys at the moment, and for young carers in particular?

Raising awareness and respite are the most common issues that keep coming up. Raising awareness is an issue that is raised by nearly every young carer I have spoken to. This is mainly because we all want to get our voices heard and make a difference in matters that impact upon our futures.

What have been the steering group's main areas of progress so far?

I would say that the steering group's main area of progress would be our consultations with the members of the caring communities that we represent. We then go on to include their feedback in our findings on how we can aim to continue providing support for carers in an effective way, whilst also contemplating any necessary improvements and how best to implement them.

What are the main challenges for you of your role on the steering group?

I am yet to come across any challenges within my role on the steering group. This is predominately because the other members are able to clear up any of the terms I don't understand in any of the documents or presentations I come across.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done so far with the steering group

One of the most rewarding parts of our work is to raise awareness of the need for carers' voices to be heard on a wider scale. We do this by consulting with people we know as well as through events we organise and attend as part of the steering group. Knowing that support for carers in Powys will continue to grow is undoubtedly the most rewarding outcome for us all.

When you are not busy with your various caring and educational responsibilities, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I enjoy attending events to raise awareness of issues such as educational support for young and young adult carers to make sure that I get a say in my future as well as to raise issues on behalf of my peers.

I am also doing a charity skydive on the 8th February next year that I am busy fundraising for. I am doing this to raise funds for Credu Connecting Carers and Cancer Research. This is something that I have always wanted to do in memory of my mum.

Many thanks to Emily for telling us about her experiences on the Carers’ Steering Group. If you would like to find out more information about the steering group then please get in touch with Credu Connecting Carers by ringing 01597 823 800 or emailing info@credu.cymru

5 Uchafbwynt digwyddiad Iechyd a Lles Machynlleth / Top 5 Highlights from Machynlleth Health & Wellbeing event

Helen Roberts, Cathy O'Dwyer a Sioned Jones Pritchard

Ddydd Llun es i draw i’r digwyddiad hwn yn Llyfrgell Machynlleth. Sioned Jones Pritchard, un o’m cydweithwyr yn y tîm Cysylltwyr Cymunedol gyda PAVO drefnodd y digwyddiad, ar y cyd gyda thîm Ymwelwyr Iechyd Bwrdd Iechyd Addysgu Powys.

Mae digwyddiadau fel hyn yn rhagorol i staff rwydweithio a darparu gwybodpaeth ar wasanaethau i’r cyhoedd sy’n ymweld â’r digwyddiad. Byddaf wastad yn dod o hyd i rywbeth newydd i rannu gydag eraill fel rhan o’r Gwasanaeth Gwybodaeth Iechyd Meddwl. Felly i’r rhai fethodd y cyfle i fynd i’r digwyddiad, dyma fy 5 uchafbwynt i o’r sesiwn.

On Monday I went along to this event at Machynlleth Library. It had been organised by Sioned Jones Pritchard, a PAVO colleague from the Community Connectors’ team, in conjunction with the health visiting team of Powys Teaching Health Board.

Events like these are great for staff networking and providing information about services to members of the visiting public. I always manage to find out something new to tell others about as part of our Mental Health Information Service. So, for those that didn’t get chance to go along on the day, I thought I would highlight five of my favourite “finds” from the session.

Eleri Lewis a Anita Schwartz

1. Gwasanaeth Awtistiaeth Integredig Newydd Powys (IAS) / New Integrated Autism Service (IAS) Powys

Gwasanaeth newydd yw hwn i bobl o bob oed yng ngofal y Gwasanaeth Iechyd a Gofal Cymdeithasol sydd â chysylltiadau cryf ag addysg. Bwrdd Iechyd Addysgu Powys yw’r bwrdd cyntaf trwy Gymru i gynnig y gwasanaeth hwn a gyllidir gan Lywodraeth Cymru “oherwydd dywedodd unigolion awtistig, eu rhieni a gofalwyr bod angen mwy o gefnogaeth arnynt”.

Bu Anita ac Eleri’n egluro y gall ceisiadau am gymorth ddod gan weithwyr proffesiynol yn ogystal ag unigolion awtistig neu eu teuluoedd a gofalwyr. Ymhlith enghreifftiau o wasanaethau a ddarperir mae: cymorth gyda phroblemau emosiynol, pryder a rheoli dicter, meithrin sgiliau cymdeithasol, grwpiau hamdden a chymdeithasol, cymorth a hyfforddiant i rieni/gofalwyr a datblygu sgiliau bywyd dyddiol.

Un pwynt mynediad sydd ar gyfer pob cais: rhif ffôn: 01874 712607 neu drwy ebostio: powys.IAS@wales.nhs.uk

This new all age service is jointly hosted by Health and Social Care with strong links to Education. Powys Teaching Health Board is the first in Wales to provide the service which is being funded by Welsh Government “because autistic individuals, parents and carers told us they needed more support”.

Anita and Eleri explained that requests for support can come from professionals and also individuals with autism or their families and carers. Examples of services which are being provided include: support with emotional issues, anxiety and anger management, social skills development, leisure and social groups, parent/carer support and training and daily living skills development.

There is a single point of access for all requests, tel: 01874 712607 or email: powys.IAS@wales.nhs.uk

Teresa Peel Jones

2. Siop gyntaf Credu – Cysylltu Gofalwyr yn agor / Credu Connecting Carers’ first shop opens

Teresa Peel Jones yw Rheolwr Datblygu’r Siop a’r Hyb gyda Credu a bu’n sôn am siop elusennol gyntaf y sefydliad a agorwyd yn 38 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth. “Nid siop yn unig yw, ond hyb cymunedol hefyd” meddai. Byddwn yn annog ymwelwyr i daro heibio am baned a sgwrs, i ymuno â’r gweithgareddau celf a chrefft ac i ddefnyddio’r ystafell gyfarfod sydd ar gael i’r gymuned. Hefyd cynigir cyfleoedd hyfforddiant a gwirfoddoli. Cynhelir sesiynau Paned Gofalwyr ar ddydd Iau cyntaf bob mis am 2 o’r gloch. Gellir dysgu mwy drwy ffonio 01654 703926 neu ebostio: shops@credu.cymru

Dywedodd Teresa: “byddem yn hoffi gweld cymdogion ein cymunedau lleol yn ymgysylltu ac yn helpu ei gilydd. Yn ein barn ni, mae bod yn ofalwr ymroddedig yn gadael llawer gormod o bobl wedi blino’n lân, yn unig (yn ddiangen) a heb digon o gyfleoedd ar gyfer gweithgareddau hamdden ac i fynegi eu hunain. Rydym yn benderfynol o fynd i’r afael â hyn, ond gwyddom mai’r unig ffordd y gellir cyflawni hyn yw ar y cyd gyda gofalwyr a’u cymunedau.”

Teresa Peel Jones is the Retail and Hub Development Manager at Credu and told me all about the first of the organisation’s charity shops which opened in Machynlleth at 38 Heol Maengwyn. It’s described as: “not just a shop but a community hub”. Visitors are encouraged to pop in for a cuppa and a chat, join in arts and crafts workshop activities and use the community meeting room. There are also training and volunteering opportunities. The Cuppa for Carers’ meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month at 2pm. Find out more by ringing 01654 703926 or emailing: shops@credu.cymru

Teresa said: “we’d like to see neighbours within our local communities engaging and helping each other. We believe that being a committed carer leaves far too many people exhausted, unnecessarily isolated, and without sufficient opportunities for essential recreation and self-expression. We are determined to address this, but know that this can only be achieved in association with carers and their communities.”

3. CAMAD – Swyddog Prosiect Llwybrau newydd yn cychwyn / CAMAD – new Pathways Project Officer starts

Croeso cynnes Miriam Davies sydd wedi cychwyn ar ei swydd newydd yn ddiweddar gyda CAMAD fel Swyddog Prosiect Llwybrau, i gefnogi pobl i ddod i wasanaeth taro heibio’r sefydliad i bobl sy’n byw gyda phroblemau iechyd meddwl yn ardal Machynlleth. Gweler cyflwyniad gan Jeremy Richards, y cydlynydd blaenorol ar brosiect Llwybrau yma.

Nid oedd Miriam yn gallu bod yn bresennol yn y digwyddiad yn Llyfrgell Machylleth oherwydd roedd ei sesiwn hi’n un pryd! Fodd bynnag, daeth un o’i chydweithwyr yn CAMAD, Holly Fairclough, draw yn ei lle hi. I ddysgu mwy am Brosiect Llwybrau, ffoniwch: 01654 700071 neu ebostiwch: office@camad.org.uk

Welcome to Miriam Davies who started at CAMAD recently as the new Pathways Officer, supporting people to attend the organisation’s drop in service for anyone living with mental health issues in the Machynlleth area. Jeremy Richards, the previous co-ordinator, wrote about the Pathways Project originally here.

Miriam couldn’t make the event at Machylleth Library as the drop-in was open at the same time! However, her CAMAD colleague Holly Fairclough attended instead. To find out more about the Pathways Project ring: 01654 700071 or email: office@camad.org.uk

Sian Roberts

4. Chwilio am wirfoddolwyr ar gyfer cynllun Buddsoddi yn eich Iechyd / Invest in your Health: volunteers sought

Dywedodd Sian Roberts wrthyf bod angen cefnogwyr gwirfoddol ar gyfer y rhaglenni Buddsoddi yn eich Iechyd -rhaglenni iechyd a lles 6 wythnos o hyd sy’n cael eu cyflenwi am ddim ar hyd a lled y sir. Ym Machynlleth mae’r rhaglen nesaf, fydd yn rhedeg rhwng 25 Hydref - 29 Tachwedd yn yr ysbyty, 10am – 12.30pm, ond mae angen gwirfoddolwyr ar draws Powys, felly nid oes rhaid ichi fyw yn y Gogledd!

Bydd y cefnogwyr gwirfoddol yn gyfrifol am nifer o dasgau – mynychu’r rhaglen a sesiynau hyfforddiant cysylltiedig, cymryd rhan mewn cyfarfodydd monitro ansawdd, a gweithio’n agos gyda’r tîm Buddsoddi yn eich Iechyd i groesawu cyfranogwyr, dosbarthu taflenni’r cwrs, cyd-hwyluso agweddau ar y rhaglen, ac ychwnaegu profiadau personol i gynnwys y rhaglen. Telir costau teithio.

Gellir dysgu mwy am y swydd wirfoddol hon drwy gysyltu â Sarah Cronin, Rheolwr Datblygu’r Ganolfan Rheoli Cyflyrau Hirdymor, Bronllys, Aberhonddu, LD3 0LU. Ffôn: 0800 169 5586 neu drwy ebostio: sarah.cronin@wales.nhs.uk

Sian Roberts told me that volunteer peer supporters are required for the free Invest in your Health 6 week health and wellbeing programmes which are delivered around the county. The next programme is actually in Machynlleth, running from 25 October until 29 November at the hospital, 10am – 12.30pm, but volunteers are required across Powys so you don’t need to live in the North!

The volunteer peer supporters will have a number of tasks – attending the programme and related training sessions, participating in quality monitoring meetings, and working closely with the Invest in your Health team to welcome participants, distribute course hand-outs, co-facilitate aspects of the programme and add personal experiences to the content of the programme. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

You can find out more and apply for the position by contacting Sarah Cronin, Development Manager at the Centre for Long Term Condition Management, Bronllys, Brecon, LD3 0LU. Tel: 0800 169 5586 or email: sarah.cronin@wales.nhs.uk

Nia Llywelyn

5. Awyddus i gynnig gwasanaeth dwyieithog? Gall Menter Iaith Maldwyn eich helpu! / Want to provide a bilingual service? Menter Iaith Maldwyn can help!

Sefydliad lleol yng Ngogledd Powys yw Menter Iaith Maldwyn – un o 24 o Fentrau Iaith ar hyd a lled Cymru. Mae’r sefydliad bywiog hwn yn gweithio gyda phobl a phlant o bob oed ar draws Sir Drefaldwyn. Ei nod yw rhoi cyngor a chymorth i unigolion, sefydliadau a busnesau yn yr ardal, yn ogystal â threfnu gweithgareddau fydd yn codi proffil y Gymraeg. Mae swyddogion PAVO yn awyddus iawn i ddysgu am fentrau sy’n gallu ein cynorthwyo ni, yn enwedig dysgwyr Cymraeg ein timau, i ddysgu mwy o’r Gymraeg a defnyddio’r iaith yn ein bywydau gwaith bob dydd.

Roedd Nia Llywelyn hefyd yn hyrwyddo’r diwrnod Shwmae Su’mae, ar 15 Hydref, “cyfle i gael hwyl a rhannu’r Gymraeg – yn y siop, y ganolfan hamdden, yn y gwaith, yr ysgol,y caeau chwarae a gyda ffrindiau.”

Menter Iaith Maldwyn is a local organisation in North Powys - one of 24 language initiatives covering the whole of Wales. This vibrant organisation works with people and children of all ages across Montgomeryshire. The aim is to give advice and support to individuals, organisations and businesses in the area, as well as organising activities to raise the profile of the Welsh Language. Here at PAVO we are really keen to find out about initiatives which can help us, especially the Welsh beginners in our teams, learn more of the language and put it to use in our everyday work lives.

Nia Llywelyn was also promoting Shwmae Su’mae Day, on 15 October, “an opportunity to have fun and share the Welsh language – in the shop, leisure centre, work, school, playing fields and with your friends.”

Wrth gwrs, roedd cynrychiolwyr llawer mwy o sefydliadau’n bresennol ddydd Llun ar wahan i’r rhai a nodwyd yn barod, megis Heddlu Dyfed Powys, Gwasanaeth Tân Canolbarth a Gorllewin Cymru, Cyngor Sir Powys, Age Cymru, Ymwybyddiaeth a Chymorth Asbestos Cymru, Canolfan Cyngor Bro Ddyfi a chydweithwyr PAVO o Brosiect Cynlluniau Cyfeillion Powys a’r canolfan Gwirfoddoli. Prynhawn gwych ym Machynlleth – os oes gan unrhyw un unrhyw gwestiynau, gallwch anfon neges isod, neu ebost atom ar: mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk, neu drwy ffonio 01597 822191.

Of course, there were representatives from many other organisations in attendance on Monday besides those I have already mentioned, including Dyfed Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire Service, Powys County Council, Age Cymru, Asbestos Awareness & Support Cymru, Bro Dyfi Advice Centre and PAVO colleagues from the Powys Befrienders’ Project and the Volunteer Centre. All in all an excellent afternoon in Machynlleth – if anyone has any queries then just post a comment below or send an email to us at: mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk, or ring 01597 822191.