Rekindle Ail-ddeffro 2024

Reg Cawthorne – High Sheriff of Powys with Michele Humberstone (Administrator), Jodie Hughes (Service Delivery Manager & Counsellor), Lindsay Cameron-Brown (Administrator) and Cristina Roberts (Recovery Practitioner and Activities Officer).

Rekindle - supporting young people aged 16 - 25 

to improve their mental health and wellbeing

by Jodie Hughes

Service Delivery Manager

We were thrilled to kick off 2024 in our new location in Newtown, just a stone's throw from our previous building. The new facility provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for young people including outside space, a communal area for activities and three therapy rooms allowing us to expand our capacity offering more appointments to young people. 

We have recruited a larger team to help us to meet demand for our counselling services, one-to-one support and to develop our activities programme.

Our counselling service remains person-centred, meaning the sessions are guided by our clients, giving them the power to talk about the things they want to. After receiving counselling sessions with our team, a young person shared:

"I'm super-duper grateful for all the help and support. It's really improved my life."

Dafydd Llewellyn – Police and Crime Commissioner, speaking at Rekindle's opening event

Our one-to-one recovery team continue to support clients with housing, finances, employment, education, health, self-confidence, friendships, relationships, self-care, life skills, resilience, and more! One of the young people who uses the service shared:

“A friend is in need of help, and I told them to come straight here, as you actually help”.

Rachel Wright (Lead Recovery Practitioner), Jodie Hughes (Service Delivery Manager / Counsellor) and Robin Brierly (Chair of Rekindle) with local Police Community Support Officers.

In further development of our services, we have recently teamed up with Beam, a social enterprise charity, to assist our 18 - 25 year old clients with dedicated career and employment support. The project will offer bespoke career coaching and wellbeing support to help people climb the career ladder with support to access skills and qualifications alongside financial assistance to make finding a job that little bit easier.

Anyone can make a referral to our services by completing our referral form available on our website or by speaking to a member of the team.

Want to know more about Rekindle?

Follow us on social media:

Facebook rekindlecharity

Instagram @rekindle.charity

Linked-in REKINDLE CHARITY

Visit our website – www.rekindle.org.uk

Speak to our team – 01686 722 222

Check out our new space: 2-3 Ladywell Centre, Newtown, Powys SY16 1AF

Running for mental wellbeing

Earlier this summer the mental health charity Mid & North Powys Mind launched a free 12-week beginners’ running course in Newtown, North Powys.

“It is suitable for complete beginners - whether you've never run before, or you used to run and haven't for a little while. There's no pressure to be a certain fitness - no one will get left behind!”

Our Health & Wellbeing colleague Andrew Davies, who works as a Participation Officer for Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, has joined the group. We asked him to tell us more about the course and why he signed up.

Andrew Davies, Health & Wellbeing Participation Officer, PAVO

Are you an experienced runner or a beginner?

I have done walk to run groups before and got up to taking part in local 5k runs. However, I then started attending a more advanced all men's group and damaged a muscle in my leg and have struggled to get back into running since.

Why did you sign up to this running course? And what was your view of running at the beginning?

I signed up as I struggle to find the time and commitment to run by myself. I know that the exercise I get out of it is really good for both my mental and physical health but with two young children at home I struggle with the motivation to go out. I find running with a group forces me to go out.

How many are in the group and who leads the course?

We currently have around 12 attendees each week and 4 leaders overseen by Lizzie Cockle from Mid and North Powys Mind. Lizzie is also the Training Team Lead and a 1:1 Support Worker for Montgomeryshire.

Whereabouts do the group run in North Powys and when?

The group meets every Monday evening and we currently run routes around Dolerw Park alongside the River Severn in Newtown.

Tell us a bit about how the course works (5K – Couch)

The course starts in week 1 with a 5 minute walk and then a 30 second run for 4 repetitions. The walks then decrease in time and the runs increase until by week 8 you are running for the full hour and hitting 5k. 

This is all done at everyone's individual pace, and the faster runners do loops to help those who aren't so fast to catch up, so the group stays together. We also have support runners at the front, middle and back to make sure we are all going at a pace that is comfortable for us. This means you don't feel you are holding anyone up, or falling too far behind, and so get despondent with it. The whole group also encourages each other throughout the run.

Have you set any personal goals for your own running and why?

I have a bucket list and one of those is to run a half marathon. I feel it is a really good thing to have those goals in life of things you want to achieve, see and experience.

Why is running good for mental wellbeing as well as keeping you physically fit? How does it make you feel mentally after a good run?

I find that running really helps my mental wellbeing. Not only does it increase your endorphins (the body's natural painkillers and mood enhancers) but you are also out in nature and it gives you that break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and some much needed "me" time.

Why is it good to run in a group rather than on your own?

Personally, I struggle with the motivation to go out on my own - there is always something else I could be doing. You also get to meet and chat to a group of really interesting people that you may not have met before. Some of the people I have met running are now really good friends.

Do you have any tips for people who think they can’t run?

If you think you can’t run, have a go! I always used to say I would only run if I was being chased but I love doing it now I have been shown how to do it properly. Even if you don’t get to the end of the course the first time, do what makes you comfortable, and then join again and try and get past where you were the last time.

What is the most challenging part of the course, and the best part each week?

The most challenging part of the course is the increase in time running! But the feeling of self achievement when that whistle blows, and you have managed to increase what you did the week before, is wonderful.

Will Mid & North Powys Mind be running future running groups for beginners? How can people find out more?

Hopefully MNPM will be running future running groups. For more information please visit the running group Facebook page or contact Lizzie Cockle by emailing lizzie@mnpmind.org.uk

Many thanks to Andrew for telling us all about his running adventures. Do you run for your wellbeing? Let us know more in the comments below.

Welsh Three Peaks challenge: raising morale, money & mental health awareness

 

Jamie Love works for the Newtown-based yacht company Makefast as the Health, Safety and Facilities Manager. Earlier this month he and 23 intrepid colleagues decided to take on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for three nominated charities (raising more than £3,500 so far), one of which is the north Powys-based mental health charity Ponthafren Association.

After spotting details of their adventures on social media, we decided to find out more about the company’s motivation in taking on the challenge, and what they learnt from their experience.

Jamie Love, Makefast's Health, Safety & Facilities Manager

First of all, what is the Three Peaks Challenge?

There are three different Three Peaks Challenges – a national one, a Welsh one and a Yorkshire route. We decided to take on the Welsh challenge which is ascending Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons. These are the highest peaks in Wales and include a total walking distance of 17 miles (27.4km) and an ascent of 2334 metres (7657ft). We talked about doing it in 24 hours.

What inspired you to take on the Challenge as a group of work colleagues?

After joining the company in October 2020 as Health, Safety & Facilities Manager I realised that because our staff are split between 2 buildings, there was an opportunity to bring people together and connect on a personal level as well as through their working day.

It was all about trying to find an event to get everyone together and this seemed to meet the bill. People have different fitness levels so there was definitely that sense of connection that you get with people supporting each other.

Llyn Llydaw on the route up Snowdon

Did you do much training prior to the Challenge?

As a runner myself I already take part in a lot of different events as do a few of my colleagues. However, the group was predominantly made up of people who went from doing nothing to doing some serious training for the Three Peaks.

Staff members trained at weekends and evenings, mainly by walking. We started initially in November 2020 when the Challenge was first announced. Training really picked up around March this year and when the weather started to improve, and the days were longer, we were able to get out even more.

It brought a lot of families together during the period of the Covid lockdown. People took their kids out walking and explored places that were local to them that they hadn’t seen before.

Tell us about the Challenge. How did it go?

It was hard work! It was really really good though! We set off at 6pm on the free coach (with driver!) provided by Tanat Valley Coaches and headed up to North Wales. Immediately as we started up Snowdon you could see groups forming of different people. Some were faster and headed off ahead with the slower groups at the back with a back marker.

The weather was quite bad - heavy rain and strong winds. Plus, the first ascent was through the night! But we made it! We finally finished at about 2.30am and were back on the coach for something to eat and drink before heading straight down to mountain number two - Cadair Idris.

Success on summiting Snowdon! 

On arrival at Cadair Idris the weather was even worse – the wind was more intense as we set off at 3am. Cadair Idris is not as high as Snowdon but a longer walk and definitely more challenging. It’s a lot more demanding on your body and we’d already done Snowdon. We picked up a few injuries along the way - people’s knees were aching by this point and some had blisters.

We arrived back at the bus after a successful climb and at 9am the driver took us straight down to South Wales to complete Pen Y Fan. Luckily the weather had eased off a lot by then. There was hardly any rain and it’s a bit easier – more of a steady walk. We took the route up from The Storey Arms and headed up over Corn Du to the summit. We talked a few strangers into sponsoring us up there and then took a different route back down to finish at 3.30pm. I had my dog Gilly, a springer spaniel, with me all the way – she runs everywhere with me!

Even with the travel back up to Newtown we’d completed the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in 23 hours in total. One of the group needed help coming down from Cadair Idris having injured their knee but everyone else made it. Back at base at Makefast we enjoyed celebratory drinks and a hog roast, and handed out medals and certificates.

What was the most challenging part of the Challenge?

Probably Cadair Idris was the hardest part – it was definitely the longest. On a good day it’s one of the best walks to do as the views are amazing. But the weather and the time of day made it the hardest of the lot. Everyone would probably agree – people were cursing me for dragging them out! But at the end everyone was really proud of themselves for completing the climb.

What was the most rewarding part of the Challenge?

For me it was getting off the bus at the end and seeing everyone really happy and positive about what they’d done. Even though there were complaints of sore bodies and tiredness there was no one without a smile on their face.

Now I can see people round the factory walking past and talking to each other where before they just walked past and paid no attention. The Challenge definitely had the effect I wanted it to in bringing people together. Even people who didn’t take part played their part by talking about it and getting involved in it.

They made it! The summit at Pen y Fan

How did you choose the three charities that would benefit?

All three charities were chosen by the people taking part in the event whose lives have been affected in some way and helped by these charities.

Macmillan - a lot of people in the workplace have been affected by cancer – either themselves or their loved ones.

Designability – they make powered wheelchairs for physically disabled children. A small charity that played a big part in one of the team’s lives.

Ponthafren Association – I wanted to do something for a mental health charity. The whole challenge focused around mental health and wellbeing – bringing people together and lifting morale. I’m a mental health first aider – I was in the army and dealt with a different side of mental health in the forces. It’s a huge part of my life and something I’ve been conscious of through my whole working career from the age of 16. Ponthafren being local - and knowing the work they do – it couldn’t have been a better choice for me.

What was it like taking on the Challenge as a large team group?

Harder than I thought! When I first had the idea I thought it be easy – a walk in the hills for few people.

But there was a lot to think about - like making sure people had the right type of kit to cope with the different weather conditions. It was making sure people were aware of that, and checking they had the right food and nutrition.

I gave myself plenty of time to organise things which was good. And I couldn’t have asked for more support from Makefast. All the directors supported us all the way. They paid for all the food and the medals. They did so much.

How does taking part in a Challenge like this help reduce the stigma regarding mental health in our community?

When we started planning we asked people which charities they’d like to support. Many were not aware of Ponthafren. Once you explain it to them it leads on to more conversations about mental health.

Also people realised that doing something can help them feel proud of themselves. Suddenly they’re all talking positively and they know they can talk about mental health. I had my GoPro camera on for about 80% of the walk. Listening back there were lots of conversations that revolved around mental health. People realised that they can talk and that people will listen. It doesn’t need to be a trained counsellor you can talk to anyone about mental health. It’s helped a lot in that way.

What impact did taking on the Challenge have on your own and your colleagues’ mental health & wellbeing?

For myself it made me realise that I can do more than I thought through organising things, by bringing people together. I felt really good about myself. Doing something for so many people.

Everyone else has realised how much of a benefit getting outdoors helps. Lot of people have taken time out for themselves this year which has really benefitted them. Taking just half an hour a day to yourself can really help. You don’t have to shut yourself away from your family you can go for a walk. That’s all we really did was go for a walk.

Do you have any tips for other organisations or companies planning to take on a similar challenge?

Do it! Just don’t think about it. Just do it. Pick a challenge. Set a date. Go for it!

We’ll be doing something every year now with a focus on mental health.

I’ve had a few ideas about possible walks / challenges / camping trips / boat themed ideas to tie in with the company’s work. And we’ll be working on it for 2022’s challenge. So watch this space!

Big thanks to Jamie Love for telling us all about Makefast’s experience taking on the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. You can still donate on the Makefast Sponsor Me page and see more photographs on the Makefast Facebook page.

World Mental Health Day 2018 - students, young people & mental health

Earlier this month we celebrated World Mental Health Day on Wednesday 10 October. The World Federation for Mental Health is the driver behind this important awareness day.

The theme this year was “young people and mental health in a changing world.” So what better place to raise awareness about caring for the emotional health and wellbeing of young people than the two college bases in Powys – Newtown in the North, and Brecon in the South. We worked closely with colleagues at NPTC Group of Colleges, which is one of the largest Further Education providers in Wales, to run an information event at each campus.

Brecon High School pupils on a visit to the Brecon college campus

The day was a great success. Rather than write a long blog post, I am posting photographs and feedback from some of those who attended to capture a flavour of what happened on the day.

Julia Gorman (Ponthafren Association), Claire Powell (Community Connector),
Jen Hawkins (PAVO), Sarah Dale (Individual Rep), and a student from the Newtown college campus

Jen Hawkins, Health & Social Care Information Officer, PAVO

It’s good to talk, especially when it comes to mental health. Emojis and cake provided the perfect way to start conversations around mental health at Newtown College as part of PAVO’s World Mental Health Day event.

Cake was definitely an added advantage with lots of people initially attracted by free cake to start their day but it soon proved a perfect way to begin to talk about feelings.

An Emoji wall of fame provided a great backdrop for students and staff to identify how they were feeling in a supportive, open way. Before long the wall was soon covered with a colourful range of post it notes that covered a whole spectrum of emotions. It was great to read all the positive comments, where people were feeling great, happy and excited but poignant to have people share that they felt broken, numb and worried or anxious. This was a good opportunity to point people in the right direction of supportive services such as the college counsellor and third sector organisations like Ponthafren Association.

Comments were also received in Arabic and Spanish, which just goes to show that no matter what language we may speak it’s good to talk about mental health.

Claire Powell, Community Connector - Newtown, Llanfair Caereinion, Montgomery

I was surprised at how well some of the students were able to express how they felt using just one word and it gets you thinking - do they have enough opportunity to express their true feelings in a safe and supportive environment..?? I work with adults over the age of 18 but the event really opened my eyes to the daily challenges faced by younger students, and also how important it is for them to know where to go for support.

It was fantastic to hear that so many students are already volunteering and are looking for more opportunities to do this to give back to the community. 

Lisa Harding & Debbie Rees, Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services

Lisa Harding, Team Leader North Powys, and Debbie Rees, Support Worker - Children & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

We felt the day was fantastic in relation to networking with other agencies, putting faces to names! So that we can communicate on a regular basis.

It was great to make contact with the young people of north Powys from the age of 16+. What we felt went well was the connection with the lecturers asking questions about the young people they support day-to-day in relation to their mental health, offering advice and support.

One of our service users came to see us while there, to say ‘thank you’ for all the help and support from CAMHS.

The day was positive and productive in nature.

Hazel Osborne, College Counselling Service, Newtown campus

Hazel Osborne, College Counselling Service, NPTC Newtown

It was great to see a presence of many local mental health services at this event.

Our students very much enjoyed the cake and engaged with the mood board. It felt an important chance to continue developing a normalisation of accessing these sorts of services and an opportunity for us to further deepen the students’ awareness of the counselling and support services available on site.

Danielle Lewis & Neil Rees, Detached Youth Work team, Powys County Council

Rosemary Denham, Student Services Manager, NPTC Group of Colleges

The day was really positive for our students. PAVO had invited the professional organisations, and our own Health and Social Care students decided to be involved as well. Having these young people taking part meant that it was easier for other students to engage in the event and speak with the outside organisations without feeling embarrassed. It was a very good mix.

Spin-offs included:

• The Newtown Health & Social Care students gave an on-the-spot donation to Ponthafren – this was money that had been proffered for the lovely cakes which they had provided themselves and were giving away at no cost.
• Our Enterprise Officer is running a project near to Christmas and the funds raised there will be given to a mental health charity.
• Our college subject tutors had the opportunity to network with professionals working in the mental health field, and arrangements have been made for talks to be given by the organisations to specific student groups in the coming weeks. 
• Our college counsellors were also able to discuss their work and referral pathways to outside agencies. 
• Our student welfare staff re-established a working relationship with the Powys Teaching Health Board C-card organisers and ensured a renewed supply of condoms.
   

Sophie Jones, PCSO, Brecon Neighbourhood Policing team

Emojiis on a blank wall prompted students to comment on their feelings – 62% said they were happy, 8% were hungry – and 32% expressed negative emotions (including being stressed, anxious, tired, paranoid, depressed, worried) – this highlighted the need for the college to do all we can to help with mental health awareness.

PAVO offered the opportunity to work with our Health and Social Care students on volunteering, and also mentioned the possibility of a work placement in Llandrindod Wells.

I was invited to feed back on the day to Louisa Kerr from Powys Teaching Health Board, Vanessa Young from the NHS Confederation, PAVO and staff from mental health services in Mid Wales .It was a great opportunity to reinforce the need for improved mental health services for young people.

Thanks again to PAVO, I also attended the NHS Wales/Powys Teaching Health Board workshop in Builth Wells to contribute to the Powys Sexual Health Improvement Plan about services available / needed for our young people.

Louisa Kerr (PTHB), Vanessa Young (Welsh Confederation), Owen Griffkin (PAVO), Rosemary Denham (NPTC Group), Melanie Davies (PTHB), Lucy Taylor (PAVO), Jolene Duggan (PTHB)

Gateway/Foundation students at Brecon College

• Good information given.
• Excellent day.
• Seeking awareness for students with mental health issues.
• Excellent advice on the stalls.
• Good advice given.
• Fun.
• Interesting.
• Helpful advice.
• Fun activities.
• Informative.
  
  

Kemal Keeble from Rekindle chatting to some of the students in Newtown

Kemal Keeble, Recovery Practitioner, Small Steps Project, Rekindle

It was really great to be a part of the World Mental Health Day at NPTC. It opened the door to many conversations about "what positive mental health means to many of the students" and insight into the work we carry out at Rekindle's The Small Steps Project. It was lovely to see so many young people getting involved and gaining a greater understanding about what services are available to them within the community they study and live in.

Suzanne Fairclough (R) and colleague from Sexual Health Services, Powys Teaching Health Board

Suzy Fairclough, Development Officer for Sexual Health & Support to Perinatal Mental Health, Powys Teaching Health Board

It was a pleasure to attend World Mental Health Day on the 10th October with information boards on Sexual Health Services and to have the opportunity to speak and hand out information to the young people on this subject and explain how Sexual Health links in with mental health, health and wellbeing. 

Abby Sims & Lorna Jones, Mid Powys Mind

Lorna Jones, Youth Worker, Mid Powys Mind

It was a good day with great networking and a privilege to meet young people who wish to make a difference with the outlook and positive attitude toward mental health. 

Lucy Taylor, Senior Officer Children & Young People, PAVO

Thank you to all the students and organisations that joined PAVO in making our World Mental Health Day celebrations with NPTC Colleges in Brecon and Newtown a success. It was so good to see everyone chatting about wellbeing, mental health and just how they were feeling that day. Our Emoji walls captured an image of "How are you feeling today?" 

We would be really pleased to know how you felt the day went and whether you would like to partner with PAVO on future events/ collaborative working? Comment in the box below, or contact us by emailing mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk or ringing 01597 822191.

We Wear The Same Shirt

(L-R) Ruth Fox - Mental Health Campaigner, Sam Morris - Gold Ambassador & Organiser,
 Neville Southall - Welsh Footballing Legend 

Sam Morris is a Sport Powys Gold Ambassador. During Mental Health Awareness Week in May I met Sam briefly at a partnership event we organised in Llandrindod Wells when he attended with colleagues from Sport Wales. 

We have promoted the project Sam is involved with in Newtown on our website events calendar and on social media, but I didn’t think too much more until suddenly the World Cup was upon us! It seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask Sam to tell us all about his involvement with this local football initiative promoting good mental health and combating stigma.

Tell us more about your role as a Sport Powys Gold Ambassador

The Gold Ambassador programme is Sport Wales’s scheme, which operates in the whole of Wales, and I was lucky enough to be selected as the Powys Gold Ambassador for North Powys. The role of a Gold Ambassador is to work closely with the school’s Sports Development Officer and come up with ways of increasing physical activity levels in schools. I didn’t have a Sports Development Officer to work with inside college, so as part of my role I did all of my work outside. I helped run school sports events in Welshpool and Newtown, and ran Silver Ambassador Days with Sport Powys. I then had the mental health programme, which was my main scheme when I applied to become a Gold Ambassador.

How long have you been playing football and what impact has it had on your wellbeing?

I played football from a very young age, joining the local Sunday Soccer, until I was playing U16s when I decided to take on a role as a coach. I played the odd game for the college team as well. I believe that football may be a huge impact on my wellbeing, I have always been a healthy lad, haven’t had any physical health issues, which was mainly down to all the football I played. I played across Wales with the Academy team and was always with a group of lads who I got on with very well and still get on with now.

What is the We Wear The Same Shirt project all about?

Physical activity has proven to be one of the most effective methods of helping improve someone’s mental wellbeing, and statistics show that 1 in 4 people in Wales suffer from mental ill health. With this being the case, the FAW Trust and charity Time to Change Wales, used their skills and knowledge to tackle the stigma, which resulted in the We Wear The Same Shirt Programme (WWTSS). Three clubs within Wales - Newport, Wrexham and Newtown - are all part of the WWTSS programme which started in 2015.

It is a scheme which offers individuals who suffer from mental ill health a place to go and take part in physical activity, but also to meet new people and develop important life skills, as well as football skills. Each club provides weekly sessions, which, due to funding, are free to access and sign onto.

200 people are signed onto the programme within the three clubs but the target is to get over 700 people and more clubs involved in the programme across the country so it has easy access for more mental health sufferers.

Who can sign up to the training sessions in Newtown and how do they do it?

People who suffer from mental ill health, people who feel excluded, lonely, these people can all come down to the sessions and join in. As a club, we want to make it easy for people to join, and all you have to do is come down to one of the sessions on a Wednesday night (5:00pm – 6:00pm) meet up with myself and we will sign you on. And that’s it. It’s simple. Us coaches and current participants aren’t here to judge, but to listen and help, which is the whole reason for the programme.

How does taking part in the We Wear The Same Shirt training sessions help people struggling with their mental health?

As previously mentioned, physical activity has proven to be one of the most effective methods of helping improve someone’s mental wellbeing, because it takes them away from their environment, and lets them have one hour of fun, being with people who suffer from the same issues. Also, doing sport and physical activity releases chemicals in the body and makes the participant feel more positive. They forget what’s going on, as all they are focussed on is the session and what they are participating in.

All our sessions involve important life skills such as communication and teamwork. The participants start to connect with each other and form friendships, which is great to see. Then people keep on turning up every week because of these friendships that they made from the session and as a coach, it’s the best type of reward you can get, seeing your sessions make an impact on people’s lives.

There was a We Wear The Same Shirt tournament in Newtown in March this year. How did it go, and are more planned?

The WWTSS tournament in Newtown was a massive success, more than I expected it to be. The tournament was due to be in January but snow cancelled that, which wasn’t good. However, from it being cancelled more people wanted to know about the tournament and more teams entered. On the day we saw 150 participants and 19 teams arrive at Latham Park for a fun, but competitive tournament. The best news was that Wales Goalkeeping Legend, Neville Southall, attended the event and spent time talking with the participants and also staying to help hand out medals and trophies to the players. The day was great, everything ran smoothly, and raised a lot of awareness around the town about the WWTSS programme and the one run in Newtown, which was the whole purpose in the event. As it was a success, I know that the FAW Trust are planning one for later this year and we are likely to make this event annual in Newtown.

Have there been any challenges setting up the project?

There have been some challenges setting up the project in Newtown, but it’s like every project, there are always challenges. I joined the project at the start of 2017, and only two participants were at the project. But from hard work and spreading the word, plus the tournament, one year on we have about 20 participants signed on. We have been able to reach out to more, but now college has finished I will be working closely with mental health charities in Powys, to provide sessions and try to get more participants down to the project. But, it’s looking up for the project in Newtown.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done so far with the We Wear The Same Shirt project

Everything about the project and the work I have done is rewarding. From starting the programme back in early 2017, with my college tutor, Gareth Watkins and fellow Coach, Dave Rose, everything about the project has been rewarding. From seeing the project go from 2 to 20, within a couple of months, from the team representing Newtown at a number of events, and seeing players go on to better things within the club. One has become a qualified local referee, one has become a coach, and others have gone on to playing local team football, winning awards, like manager’s players. This small project has made a massive difference to all the participants but has also changed me as a person and as a coach that is what is rewarding.

I hear you're studying Sport at Newtown College. What career do you hope to follow eventually and why?

I have just finished studying Sport at Newtown College, finishing with a triple distinction star. I will soon be studying Football Coaching and Performance at University of South Wales, but the only career work I see myself doing is football related. I have a passion to coach and make a difference and thanks to the college, Newtown FC, Sport Powys and a number of people, including Gareth Watkins and Dave Rose, I will be able to pursue that career.

Which team are you supporting in the 2018 World Cup?

From the start of the World Cup I have always thought that France would be the team to beat, but this year’s World Cup has been very odd and England have a massive chance, but I’m backing France.

Many thanks to Sam for telling us all about the We Wear The Same Shirt programme. If you want to find out more you can contact Owen Durbridge, the Club Secretary at Newtown AFC, by emailing owen.durbridge@sky.com or ringing 07967 979089.

Small Steps at Rekindle - Three Stories

Recovery Practitioner Kemal with a local police officer outside the Newtown centre

John Scott is the chairman of the mental health charity Rekindle in Newtown. At a recent fundraising concert for the charity, which supports young people aged 16 to 25 who are struggling with mental distress, he said:

“The trustees and staff know from experience that early intervention can help many of these young people avoid or recover from the social dislocation that can result from mental illness.

There are more than 110 active clients, and they are referred by all the various agencies in Newtown. There are two full time recovery practitioners (Diane Williams and Kemal Keeble), one of whom is a qualified mental health nurse, and two regular volunteers. They operate from converted shop premises in the centre of Newtown, which makes them accessible to this client group.

Diane (left) with a client

The stories here are examples of what can be done, and there are many more similar ones. The right help at the right time can stop these young people from a possibly irreversible descent into self-destructive behaviour. It is wonderful to see young people starting to enjoy their lives again.”

Jess Foster

At the age of 18 I was living in a homeless hostel and felt there was no use in living any more. I struggled with the pressures of sixth form and trying to earn a living so attempted suicide multiple times. Initially I was under the care of adult services but didn’t feel as though I actually mattered to them and was made to feel as though my problems weren’t bad enough.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to Diane at Small Steps and I was finally on the road to recovery. I was given all the time I needed, whether it be for just a chat or to help me better my life. Feeling like I mattered and being listened to changed my life around.

I stopped self-harming, returned to sixth form, applied for university with Diane’s help and even began caring about my own wellbeing again. When I got my place at university Diane got me a grant so that I was able to buy everything I needed and to any other person I would then look like a typical student, not someone who had just been homeless. I am now graduating this summer, have a job and strong friendships. My life is now at a good point and it’s thanks to all the help and mentorship I had from Diane and Small Steps.

Megan Tudor

My name is Megan Tudor and I am an associate trustee for Rekindle's Small Steps Project. I began as a client of the project when abuse was identified in my family home. I had to leave home and faced the difficulty of finding a roof over my head. Diane and Kemal worked tirelessly to help me and although they came across many difficulties they never gave up on me. I was in a very dark place and tried to end my life on a daily basis; I couldn't find a reason to carry on. I went from living in a horrific environment to only having the clothes on my back and no roof over my head. I was also suffering from an eating disorder and refused to eat or drink anything.

The Small Steps Project was the only organisation that recognised there was abuse and actually listened. I had seen Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), 16+ team, social workers and spent a year in a psychiatric hospital and none of them listened to what I was saying. Diane and Kemal let me have as much time as I needed and listened to every word I said and actually did something about it. I was supported on a daily basis to stay alive on top of trying to find stable accommodation.

I was supported by the Small Steps Project to find a reason to live, gain tools to cope and to slowly overcome my eating disorder. They helped me to get back into education and I finally started to feel like I was breaking free from the chains that held me back for so many years. I was no longer walking down the narrow lonely corridors of hospitals or dancing with my demons. I am now living my dream, halfway through my qualification, working part time and offering support to the other clients of the Small Steps Project.

Sam Morgan

I was 16 when I first came to Small Steps. I was living with the fact I had quite a bad temper but didn’t want to admit to it. I didn’t want to feel ashamed. It got to the point where I got pretty hard to live with, my anger was getting worse and simple things would set it off. It got to the point where shouting turned into me deliberately hitting anything hard, just to try and feel something other than anger. I was also damaging my hands. My parents and I realised I couldn’t go on doing what I was doing, so I got in touch with Small Steps.

It took a long time for me to understand that I was adjusting from being a young person being told “what to do” and the new pressures of having to make decisions about life. “Who I want to become” and “what I want to achieve”. Small Steps helped me with this, it was the first time I had someone who I could speak to and someone who understood how I was feeling.

I felt I only had the one overwhelming emotion which was anger. I was always waiting to be challenged and at the first hurdle I would usually just lash out! Over time it become apparent that there was more to life than just this feeling of anger. Things changed for me and now I saw things differently; I could stand back and assess the moment and realise that anger was not the correct response. All of this was only really possible because of the continued support I received from the Small Steps Project.

I am in a different place today. I think more positively about what I would like to achieve. I am now 19 years old and aspiring to be a Royal Marine commando, which is a completely opposite mind-set. My mental and physical toughness has developed through training. I understand how to take care of my body and wellbeing. My relationship with parents is very different today, we are able to talk about things more openly and have become closer as a family. I realise now how I have a lot more to give in life and that it all starts with you allowing these changes to happen.

Jess and Sam's stories also feature in this short video about the Small Steps Project:

Find out more about the work of Rekindle and its Small Steps Project on the organisation’s website. The charity is funded by charitable trusts, local groups, businesses and individual donations. If you can help in any way you can contact the charity by emailing: help@rekindle.org.uk or ring 01686 722222.

Sarah Napper with Diane

Stop press: Rekindle volunteer Sarah Napper was recently nominated for the Powys Volunteer of the Year Award 2018 and reached the shortlist. Sarah has been volunteering for three and a half years and her role involves welcoming clients and professionals to the project. She does this despite having her own bipolar diagnosis. Sarah is around the same age as those seeking help so she has a special empathy and understanding of their problems and is a good listener. Diane said: "Sarah promotes and empowers young people to believe they can achieve anything in life despite any obstacles that come their way."

Powys Befrienders - knitting for wellbeing

When I have time, especially in the winter, I like to knit and listen to the radio. I find it very therapeutic. Its rhythmic and repetitive nature has often been compared to meditation. Many of my office colleagues knit too, and we love to pass on tips about our favourite yarns and patterns. We might have a bonding moment or two comparing bamboo knitting needles and angora wools when the broadband dips out for a couple of minutes…

This Tuesday I was invited to meet another friendly group of knitters and crocheters at Abbeyfield House in Newtown for their regular fortnightly session. If you’re a knitting enthusiast, you’ve probably come across the Knit & Natter concept. This incarnation is the Newtown Knit Tea Together group set up by the Powys Befriending Service. (Read Powys Befrienders – it’s given me back my life for more on this PAVO project generally). It was snowing, so not all the regulars had been able to make it, but Eileen, Betty and Carol were joined by first-timer Olive for a chat, loads of laughs, and plenty of knitting, sewing and crocheting.

Olive works on a twiddle mitt

This week they were busy making twiddle mitts and cushions for people locally living with dementia. (Online pattern for knitters!) “People with dementia are always looking for things to touch,” they explained, “so we sew bells, beads, eyes and Velcro to the mitts, and people find them very therapeutic.” While I was there Lesley Austen, the Powys Befriending Services Co-ordinator, arrived to gather up mounds of the mitts to take to Bethshan Care Home, also in Newtown. Past group projects have included making baby blankets for local maternity services, and creating colourful knitted toys and clothes to raise funds for the group. At a market stall in Glanhafren, Newtown Market Hall, on 8 December, they raised £380 through sales, and are now planning a summer stall.

While the women sit and sew they swop tips, plan trips – including activities and shopping – and update each other about the latest local news stories. They happily share their skills, and experience. Carol promises to teach Olive how to crochet the next time they meet. There’s a haberdashery moment and in five minutes Eileen’s volunteering to shop at her favourite supplier for all the others. And who would have known that the best and cheapest way to stuff a knitted doll is to pull a pillow apart for the filling? 

L-R: Lesley (Powys Befriending Service Co-ordinator), Olive & Eileen
"Tell me again, what's a split stitch in knitting...?"

Why we like to knit and crochet

"It relaxes you. It keeps your hands moving. It you have arthritis it helps to keep them moving. You have to keep active."

"It keeps your brain moving too! If you’ve got one! It helps keep your mind off a lot of problems. You can take it out in your knitting. You go faster if you’re in a bad mood!"

Several members of the Newtown Knit Tea Together group are also active Powys Befriending Service volunteers in their local community. The two volunteers present tell me about the clients they support. One is a gentleman with Parkinson’s disease who is visited at home, and another is a lady who is supported to attend afternoon teas at the Smithfield Bell in Welshpool, or the Lakeside Restaurant at the golf course near Montgomery.

Carol does crochet... and is also a PB volunteer

Later Lesley told me more about Eileen’s contribution as a Powys Befriending Service volunteer:

Eileen’s husband died after a prolonged illness and was bedridden for the last 6 months of his life. He did not want to be in hospital so Eileen had cared for him at home supported by Health and Social Services. For over a year she had rarely left the house and had lost a lot of confidence about going out on her own as well as suffering from grief and loneliness. Her daughter referred her to the Powys Befriending Service and accompanied her to one of our group lunches.

Eileen was very chatty and helped people sitting around her. At the end of the session, when I asked how she had got on, she said she loved it: “But I’m so much better off than some of the others, wouldn’t I be of more use helping them?”

Eileen duly attended the Befriending Induction training, got her DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) approval and two glowing references and asked “When do I start?” She didn’t want to have to drive too far, so I matched her to a housebound gentleman with early stage dementia and other health needs who lived a few miles away. As we approached the gentleman’s house she told me she and her husband used to walk in the area and used to chat to a lovely man tending his garden – and this was the gentleman she was getting matched to!

Both he and his wife recognised Eileen and were delighted to see a familiar face. The client has memory loss and several health conditions requiring appointments and visits, so we agreed Eileen would visit every two weeks. The match is a great success – both client and volunteer share a farming background and enjoy talking about farming and the local countryside, reading the local paper and following sports events on TV. 

The client’s wife now has a regular couple of undisturbed hours when she can do things that she enjoys, getting out in the garden, baking and having a chat on the phone with friends, which she had not previously been able to do easily, having to keep an ear and eye out for her husband’s needs.

This still left Eileen with time on her hands and a will to help people, so she asked if it would be possible to have another client to see on alternate weeks and is now also matched with a lady who had no means of getting out and about. She takes this lady to an afternoon tea group, and is now supporting the group by helping with clients.

Eileen then asked if she could come along to the Newtown Knit Tea Together group as she loves knitting and sewing, and after a few sessions she and another volunteer were quite happy to run the group themselves with me in the background for occasional support. Lots of our female clients list amongst their interests knitting, crochet and sewing, but no longer have anyone to make things for. Eileen soon armed them with patterns, needles and wool and got them making baby clothes in premature sizes, which we now send in regular parcels to Special Care Baby Units in Welsh Hospitals.

Oh did I mention…………… Eileen is 86 years young!

Eileen told me “I get as much out of being a volunteer as the people we help. It’s been a lifeline to me since I lost my husband.”

Betty with one of her knitted dolls

If you would like to join the Newtown Knit Tea Together group run by the Powys Befriending Service (don’t worry if you can’t knit, sew or crochet – there are plenty who will happily teach you) then give Lesley a call to find out more on 01597 822191 or email: lesley.austen@pavo.org.uk

Are you a knitter or crocheter? Does it help boost your emotional wellbeing? Let us know in the comments box below.