Powys Befrienders - it’s given me back my life!

“Individuals who are socially isolated are between two and five times more likely than those who have strong social links to die prematurely.” 

Michael Marmot (2010) – Fair Society, Healthy Lives.

Last year we heard from the then Project Co-ordinator, Rachael Beech, about this really successful lottery funded befriending project. She told us it is "so much more than a cuppa and a chat".

Rachael has recently moved on to work with Action for Hearing Loss in Powys, and Befrienders’ colleague Jill Ball has taken over the reins, in this, the fifth year of the project. It seemed like a good time to catch up with progress, particularly as the service has developed to meet the changing needs of clients. As well as 1:1 support Powys Befrienders now holds regular group meetings and occasional days out.

First of all Jill gives us some of the project basics:

Powys Befrienders is a five year Big Lottery funded project delivered by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO). The service currently provides a 1:1 and Group Befriending service Powys–wide, delivered by volunteers and paid staff to people over the age of 50. The aim is to support them to maintain and improve their independence and wellbeing. The service is quality assured having met the Quality in Befriending (QIB) quality standards in all 9 areas – it is the first befriending project in Wales to have achieved this prestigious quality assurance standard.

Powys Befrienders’ interventions produce measurable improvements, evidenced by ‘Outcome Star’ data, in the following areas:-

• Optimising independence.
• Maximising wellbeing through choice and control.
• Focusing on prevention.

The service has Outreach Officers across the county who liaise with other health professionals to deliver the Befriending Groups and 1:1 opportunities. The criteria for becoming a client of the befriending service are:

You live in Powys, you are over the age of 50 and that you are isolated or lonely. People can self-refer into the service or be referred by a friend, family member or health professional.

Trained volunteers who also have a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check are matched to clients and do a whole variety of activities with them. The activity is dictated by the client and some examples are swimming, singing, playing dominos, chess, shopping, walking, going to the theatre, lunch out, and dog walking.

The Group Facilitator for North Powys – Lesley Austen, tells us how the project has evolved:

Well, the project has evolved in the North in quite a haphazard way really! We seemed to have either clients in an area or volunteers - never both in the same place to make one-to-one matches.

The groups mostly started quite small, bringing together sometimes just 2 or 3 people (and occasionally just me and a client!) in a mutually convenient place - usually a cafe (saving the cost of venues and I don't have to make the tea!). Plus there is the added benefit of the opportunity to bump into old friends and neighbours.

They are all informal social groups, dotted around North Powys to suit people's needs, meeting for teas, coffees, lunches and occasional days out. Nobody is restricted to a particular group just because they live in the area, many attend 2 or 3 groups and a few attend everything that's going on! We help with transport as much as we can and would love more volunteer drivers who could help us out with this (hint hint!).

Currently there are two weekly lunch clubs, one in Newtown and one in Llandrinio, and a peripatetic lunch "club" that eats its way round Powys 2 or 3 times a month at various pubs and restaurants. Coffee / tea groups are held in Newtown, Guilsfield, Llansantffraid, Llanfyllin and Llanfair Caereinion monthly or twice a month.

Anyone over 50 who is feeling the need for company and wants to get out and about is welcome and we have people of all abilities and disabilities attending our groups on a regular basis. Some come every week, others we only see about once a month.

We also arrange occasional days out when people can try something a little different. One of our clients had been on a canal boat before so suggested it as a group activity. On 10 June we took to the waters of the beautiful Montgomery Canal with the Heulwen Trust (Heulwen is Welsh for sunshine). Robin, our boatman, piloted a fully accessible 70 foot narrow boat from the Trust’s base at Welshpool to Ardleen. We enjoyed a picnic lunch from a local café and a strawberry tea on our trip and everyone had a lovely day, including guide dog Quince and his owner Gwyn.

About Powys Befrienders' clients

M was widowed last year and was very lonely, with not many friends in the area - he is fit and active and has his own transport so is seen at almost all our activities. He has also met people from other clubs and groups and joins in with their activities too: "I've always got something to look forward to now, just a problem fitting it all in or deciding what to do next!"

D has complex health needs which have resulted in depression to the point she had not been out socially for over 6 years. At first very reluctant and reserved, she is now up for anything on offer, encouraging others to join in and despite her continuing health issues and poor mobility is no longer dependant on medication for depression: "Befrienders has given me back my life."

Many thanks to Jill and Lesley for updating us about this amazing project.

If you would like to become a volunteer for Powys Befrienders and could give up 2-3 hours per week please call 01597 822191 and ask for a member of the Befrienders’ team. Volunteers may do telephone befriending, visits to clients and group activities, or may just wish to transport clients to activities. Volunteers are refunded for any expenditure they incur.

If you wish to become a client of the service call the team now on 01597 822191.

Change Step - led by veterans for veterans

Stephen Jones has recently taken on a new role with the charity Kaleidoscope. 

He works to support veterans and their families in Powys, particularly in respect of any problems associated with military service and the transition to civilian life. 

A lot has been written about the mental health of service and ex-service personnel, such as this 2013 report from the Mental Health Foundation.

We asked Stephen to tell us more about his new role and why it is needed in Powys.

You seem to have two separate but linked roles - tell us more

I have recently become the Listen In Project Co-ordinator for Change Step – this role sees me supporting families, friends and carers of veterans to aid in promoting recovery from problems associated with military service and the transition to civilian life.

I am also currently a Change Step peer mentor aiding the veterans themselves, providing a unique peer-led service.

What led you to these particular roles?

As a veteran myself, and a volunteer for Kaleidoscope (the substance misuse service in Powys), my personal journey is and can be seen to be very similar to those who I support.

Steve at Ystradgynlais Welfare Club

How do you define the term “veteran”?

A veteran is anyone who has served one day's service with the Armed Forces, whether it be as a reservist or full time member.

Tell us more about why veterans in Powys need the kind of support you offer?

It can be a very daunting process, leaving the military to joining civilian life, with there being many changes to day to day life. Sometimes it can appear to be a lonely process and there are many new challenges ahead for those leaving the forces. In particular some veterans may be experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or issues surrounding family life, housing, and also substance/alcohol misuse. I feel that anyone leaving the military may benefit from a quick chat with someone who has been in their shoes and understands these unique issues.

Do you know how many veterans there are in Powys? What barriers might prevent them seeking support and how do you work to overcome those?

I would imagine that there are many veterans in Powys, and we also have a large Gurkha population in the county. Powys is a very rural area, which could present as a barrier within itself. I work Powys-wide, so can travel to see those who cannot travel to see me, helping those in remote areas.

Trust is also a barrier, which is where Change Step and Listen In assist greatly as we are veterans supporting veterans.

Are there particular issues which arise in rural areas for veterans experiencing mental distress?

I think it is hard for anyone suffering mental distress, and I think the main issue is being heard, supported and knowing where to go for that support.

Steve at Dering Lines Army Camp 

Drink Drive Awareness Day

What kinds of activities are available to support veterans in Powys, and in your experience which are found to be the most appreciated and/or useful?

There are various support groups in Wales such as Combat Stress, Veterans Wales, Royal British Legion (RBL), SSAFA (Soldiers Sailors Airmen & Families Association) and many more. I am having meetings with the RBL and hope to open drop in centres in some of the major towns in Powys, where veterans can pop in for a cuppa and a chat.

What support is needed by the families of veterans who struggle to make the transition to civilian life? What is your role here? 

It can be hard for veterans to adjust, however it is also hard for the families to adjust – they may have lived apart for some time and be used to a different lifestyle, maybe in military accommodation in this country or abroad.

They will also potentially see their family member 24/7 for the first time, and also experience issues surrounding witnessing their family member suffering with PTSD. They could feel isolated and not sure where or who to turn to.

What is the most challenging aspect of the job?

I think that the main challenge with my role is making sure that I can reach all those who need our support – there are a lot of veterans and families who may need support however have not yet heard of Change Step or Listen In, something which we are working hard on changing.

Can veterans sign up to volunteer with the project? If so, what are the criteria for people who are interested, and what kind of roles are available?

Yes, and we would like to see veterans signing up as this in itself can help alleviate some issues surrounding isolation or boredom, and also help those who have not yet referred into the service. Contact us for further information.

When you are not working for Kaleidoscope, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I am a keen fisherman and spend a lot of my spare time at the coast. I also enjoy camping in the summer months.
 

Many thanks to Stephen for taking time out to update us about his new role. You can contact him at Kaleidoscope: 9 Castle Street, Brecon, LD3 9DD, tel: 01874 622333, mobile: 07738 320 390, or email stephen.jones@kaleidoscopeproject.org.uk

Powys Befrienders - more than a cuppa and a chat

My colleague Rachael Beech has been working for the past 3½ years as the Powys Befrienders’ Project Co-ordinator at Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations. Powys Befrienders is a lottery funded project set up to improve the independence of people aged over 50.

We caught up with Rachael at her PAVO base at Ddole Road in Llandrindod Wells to find out more about the project.

What was the original idea behind the Befrienders Project?

Very simply to support people over the age of 50 to engage back into the community; to increase their independence and confidence, and stay in their own homes as long as possible. That includes people who are experiencing mental distress, bereavement or social inclusion – it could be anyone. The project runs across the whole of Powys. People are matched with volunteers for a period of 12 months with a view to them becoming more independent ultimately.

Who can ask for a befriender?

Basically anyone who is lonely and isolated and needs help to take that first step. The befriender supports that person to reach their goals, so although a cuppa and a chat are vitally important they need to identify that they need support in particular areas of their lives to increase their independence. People can self-refer or be referred by family, statutory or voluntary organisations.

People assume loneliness and isolation are the same and their definition can be very different to the reality of the situation. You can be completely isolated and in a housing estate surrounded by a thousand people, not necessarily out in the sticks. Being lonely is down to how people cope with day to day life. Someone with a carer twice a day or a member of a club could still feel lonely because they are not having meaningful interaction. That can cause a huge amount of loneliness, especially if they are not being listened to.

Tell us about the staff and volunteers working on the project and their different roles

I manage the project across the county working with 3 outreach officers and 2 delivery partners. We promote the project, identify clients and volunteers, and then match them. This includes setting up volunteer training, support and supervision. The outreach workers also make sure that both parties understand the principles and boundaries of the project. The client will understand that they have choice and control over the goals that are identified. Staff may also identify other client needs that can be met by other statutory or voluntary organisations. Even if clients come to us who don’t meet the project criteria we will still try and point them in the right direction.

We look at the skill set and interests of a volunteer when matching them with a client although it’s not always possible to get the ideal match because of the geographical nature of Powys. Then the volunteer will go in once a week for 2 – 3 hours to support the client with their goals.

How can your project volunteers support people to strengthen their social networks?

People who have lost confidence and independence find it very difficult to take that first step to interact with other people, to start a conversation, even to walk into a room. But if they have someone there to help it makes all the difference.

We have some severely mentally distressed clients who have been ostracised in their community because of certain character traits. They feel people don’t understand them and they feel completely and utterly alone. We go in, their goals are no different to other peoples, and we help them reintegrate.

What kind of goals are set?

Using the outcome star we look at particular areas of people’s lives. The client’s goal could be learning to walk again after a hip replacement operation. Or to access shopping and social activities. Or advocacy. Someone who is not able to leave their house may want to access the internet. People get their lives back. Ultimately some may go from being clients to being volunteers, which really helps with their confidence.

Some clients have terminal illnesses – the project aims to increase independence but also wellbeing. If befriending helps a person do things in their last year of life that they have previously been unable to do it meets the criteria.

I believe the staff provide support to people with severe mental distress?

Yes, often there is no other support – not a befriending, mentoring style of support. People can become aggravated, suspicious and wary of others and it is more difficult to support them back into the community. So, either we provided support, or people might spiral into a pit of despair. In some areas of the county we are now setting up groups to help support people.

We also have two delivery partners to help us in this area – Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau (Crickhowell & District only) and Healthy Friendships (which covers North Brecknock specifically for clients with mental health needs).

What do the volunteers in particular bring to the project?

They bring lived experience, flexibility, skills and knowledge… they increase the capacity of the team. In some cases they bring long-term friendship. Some volunteers and clients have developed a relationship that does continue after the more formal arrangement has come to an end.

Volunteers currently range in age from 45 – 89, but can anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer.

If the Befrienders project did not exist, what would happen to people who contact you in need of support?

If you have lost your independence and self-esteem you are at rock bottom. If you fall ill you don’t want to pick up the phone. You have no friends, you can’t ring family 200 miles away, so you let it continue and then you might end up hospitalised. If you don’t have good mental health it reflects on physical health and vice versa.

How does the work of Befrienders fit in with that of other voluntary sector groups

We work in partnership with Mind, Disability Powys, the British Red Cross, and Age Cymru, plus all organisations who have clients of 50 or over.

Tell us some of the hardest things about working on this project

Seeing some of our clients and where they are now and thinking how easy it would have been to prevent that with a kindly neighbour or family intervention.

And sourcing volunteers. So many organisations are looking for volunteers – we don’t get many youngsters, and the majority we get have been volunteering their whole lives. We’ve lost that generation who volunteer without even thinking.

Now tell us some of the nice things about working on the project

We know we can make a difference, even if it’s absolutely tiny. We are part of a much bigger chain that is health and social care but we can help people. People who had not been out of the house for 12 months and were completely reliant on others for shopping have, a year down the line, helped set up our first independent group. That’s brilliant.

Helping people gain more skills and confidence through volunteering is really good. When we talk about beneficiaries – our clients and volunteers are all beneficiaries.

Because of the way we have worked we have been able to demonstrate categorically that Powys Befrienders has a measured effect which means we have evidence to try and make this a long-term project.

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt since starting your role?

Looking at this project as a whole has made me think this type of care must be sustainable – we’ve got to help the community to help the community.

What do you like to do in your own time when you’re not working for PAVO? 

We’re 18 years into a building project, we bought a 9 foot by 9 foot stone chimney and have done all the work ourselves but we are nearly at the end! I also grow a lot of vegetables, I’ve created a whole new garden, I enjoy riding my horse, taking the dogs on long walks and popping down to Pembrokeshire where we have a caravan and swimming in the sea from February to November.

Many thanks to Rachael for telling us about Powys Befrienders. You can contact her by emailing rachael.beech@pavo.ork.uk or ringing 01597 822191.

UPDATE October 2015: Powys Befrienders is pleased to announce that it is the first befriending service in Wales to be awarded the Befriending Quality Mark. Read more here.

The YAPS project @ Ponthafren Association

The YAPS Project, which is delivered by Ponthafren Association, offers peer support mentoring to young people (16 - 25 years old) who experience mental health issues, by helping to give them a voice of their own in the development of services. Here at Powys Mental Health we spoke to Zoe Greenslade, one of the volunteer mentors with the project.

Why did you decide to become part of the group?

I’m Zoe Hannah Greenslade, I am 18 years old and in early January I started volunteering at the Ponthafren Centre, in Newtown. Since then, my time here has been amazing – with no two days being the same. I was thrown straight in at the deep end and within days of being here I was asked whether I would be interested in joining the YAPS Project.

YAPS stands for ‘Young Adult Peer Support’ and I think it is a brilliant way of helping other young people to share their own experience on mental health. Peer Support isn’t as formal as counselling. We young mentors are providing this service to other young people because we care. All of the mentors are volunteers, meaning we don’t get paid to be a part of this project. We are dedicating our time to help and support other young people who may be suffering in silence, and thinking that they are alone.

Mentoring is a confidential and non-judgmental relationship, in which we provide a friendly face and support in order to help other young people feel happier. By meeting in a safe environment, both mentors and mentees can feel at ease, knowing anything they discuss will remain confidential. Previously, I have had several attempts at counselling, however in most cases I gave up attending my meetings. I always felt like the counsellor wasn’t really interested in helping me and was only talking to me because they were paid to do so. With YAPS, this isn’t the case as all mentors are volunteers with an interest in helping others and using their experiences to support their peers. I am really looking forward to being a mentor for so many reasons. Firstly, because I wish I had the opportunity to have a mentor for myself, when I most needed one. I wish I’d had someone who I felt actually wanted to listen to me, purely because they cared and wanted to help me get better.

What has been the response to the meetings so far?

Once a month all of the mentors meet up at Ponthafren in a ‘focus group’ and discuss any issues or ideas we have regarding the YAPS Project. We are asked by the Project Coordinator for our views and input to all parts of the project from leaflet design, promoting the project and to the content of the mentor training. As the whole idea is still quite new to us, it is lovely being able to learn from one another, to be consulted and listened to and being able to put together loads of ideas that we believe will make the YAPS Project stand out and become a fantastic resource.

Who can join the group?

Anyone aged 16 - 25 who is interested in becoming a mentor.

The YAPS Project is looking for young people who can commit to becoming a mentor, there are no set hours - you may be able to give an hour or two a week or a month, either is fine. Once you are a mentor there will be training and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check then you will be paired with a mentee. If you are looking to become a mentor – or know anyone who may be interested – or for any other information regarding the YAPS Project, then contact Caroline Mercer (YAPS Co-ordinator) on 07792 346 519 or email yaps.project@ponthafren.org.uk

When is the next meeting?

20th February 4pm @ Ponthafren in Newtown.

What do you hope to achieve from being a mentor?

I want to be able to feel satisfied. Satisfied that I have:

• Made a difference to even one young person’s life, for the better.
• Put a smile on their face.
• Given them the confidence that there are still people who want to help and care for them.
• Reassure the mentee that, most importantly, they are not alone.

A big thank you to Zoe for telling us all about the YAPS Project and her involvement. YAPS is one of seven projects funded by the Big Lottery Fund as part of the One Powys Connecting Voices programme. You can read more about YAPS in the latest One Powys - Connecting Voices newsletter, or on the Ponthafren Association website.

Tell us what you think about mentoring. Is it a good idea? And can it help shape mental health services for the better?