Life at No 27 - growing for wellbeing

Life at No.27 is a leading horticultural therapy and mental health counselling provider run as a social enterprise, built with passion at its core and designed to improve lives. The organisation uses nature, conversation and human connection to support anyone experiencing poor mental health, low confidence, self-esteem, and isolation.

Since our involvement with the Grow, Cook, Share Powys Network has now come to a close, we are keen to find out more about the opportunities in Powys for therapeutic gardening so that we can promote them far and wide. So we got in touch.

Annabelle Padwick, the founder, was more than happy to tell us about Life at No.27.

Why did you set up Life at No. 27? And what is the story behind the name?

I set up the organisation following my own experience with mental ill health and recovery, and the observation that the two things which helped me were private mental health psychotherapy and me getting my allotment. I wanted to create a safe space for others that combined these two therapeutic opportunities into one unique approach that was accessible for everyone. A safe space to talk, explore thoughts and feelings including past trauma, process and heal, alongside a practical outdoor environment to learn new skills, release energy safely, look to the future and believe in myself and my ability with practical tangible evidence.

The name, Life at No.27, came in 2015, when I started a blog about my own allotment and mental health journey. I didn’t want the blog to say mental health or gardening as I didn’t want the title to automatically say what it was about, other than my life. I wanted other people to want to read it. My original personal allotment plot number was 27, and I was also 27 when I started the blog.

Since then, the name has stayed the same and my client allotmenteers have said they like it, especially as it doesn’t say what it is. It gives them more choice on how much they want to tell others about the service.

Tell us briefly about the organisation’s main activities now

We deliver weekly adult group and 1-1 sessions for all ages over 18, where we offer local people their own Life at No.27 allotment, or access to a Life at No.27 therapy garden for a year, as well a mental health counsellor and therapeutic horticulturalist to support them mentally and practically with learning to grow produce. This is at our therapy garden in Craig y Nos Country Park in South Powys. These spaces are free with GP, psychiatrist or social worker referral. We also welcome self-referrals.

We also offer fun and relaxing weekly after school club sessions for children aged five years old and above, as well as 1-1 sessions, school intervention programmes and holiday activity clubs. All children are welcome, but the sessions are designed for children struggling with anxiety, low confidence, difficulty understanding and managing emotions and/or have social and emotional needs.

Why the move to Wales?

We moved to Wales personally, and this area in particular, because we love it and wanted to be closer to where my husband was born and his family are, near Swansea and Carmarthenshire.

The strapline at Life at No.27 is “It’s not what you grow, it’s how YOU grow!” Tell us more

It fundamentally means that it doesn’t matter what you choose to grow, whether that’s flowers, carrots, pumpkins or much bigger life ambitions. We want to support you every step of the way and how you grow as a person in the process is what is important.

What is it about being outdoors, in Nature, that you think has such an impact on positive mental health?

I think it’s the combination of being in nature, learning new skills and having a safe, confidential space to talk and explore feelings that can help create positive mental health.

In terms of being in nature specifically, it’s the most natural and free therapeutic resource for us all. If we slow down and pay attention, nature teaches about patience, resilience, the importance of being present in the moment and the enhanced satisfaction and joy we feel in life when we do slow down and feel every moment. It also teaches us exactly what we need to thrive as well. I always say to people if you forget how to look after yourself, just think about what a plant needs, and if you forget how to look after a plant, think about what you need - it’s the exact same things. Yet at the time it shows our uniqueness, we all have the same but also different needs. We all need food, love, sunshine, nurturing, space to grow, minimal enforced disruption, air, and patience – just in different quantities and ways, and plants are the same.

Layer this with the practical elements of getting our hands in the soil and the sensory play experience of feeling, smelling and seeing different plants. We can then lose ourselves in the moment; the fragrances, the noises of grasses and birds, the textures of bark, furry petals or the mindful process of many gardening activities.

You have a number of projects running at Life at No.27. Tell us more

We have our beautiful therapy garden in Craig-y-Nos, where we offer a range of services for those experiencing mental ill health, isolation, anxiety, low confidence and/or self-esteem.

Here we deliver group adult sessions for up to 6 people on Friday mornings, from 10 – 12. These sessions are part of our year long programme mentioned earlier and are free with referral. We come together relax, have a cuppa or two, chat and garden together in our beautiful surroundings. There is no pressure to chat or share with others unless you want to, as I mentioned earlier, it’s all about coming, for yourself, and giving it a go.

We also offer 1-1 sessions for adults here which are available on request to suit their availability.

Here in Craig-y-Nos, we also offer two-hour adult Seed Sowing and Gardening through the Year workshops every month on Friday afternoons for anyone who just wants to come garden aka play, have a cuppa and relax with others. These sessions are between £15 - £20, with all proceeds going towards our free mental health support services.

How did you get to work with the Prince and Princess of Wales and how’s that going?

We were very fortunate that the team from their charity, The Royal Foundation, contacted us after seeing a recent Crowdfunder fundraising campaign we set up for here in Wales, and were really interested in what we do. Following some conversations, the Prince and Princess of Wales were keen to meet with me, help us grow in the area, build more sites and be able to offer our unique programmes to more people. So, at the beginning of this year they announced they wanted to partner with us and start to create a legacy project, that will hopefully mean that they and their team will be on hand for support or guidance when we need it.

It’s still early days regarding their support, but I really hope it helps us achieve our vision.

Tell us more about your role as an Advisor to the House of Lords

Yes, this was a wonderful surprise invitation and surreal experience. In June this year, I was invited by the Horticultural Sector Committee to advise and give oral evidence regarding the current landscape of horticulture and mental health. This is part of a horticulture wide industry enquiry and report they are carrying out this year, to look at what is happening on the ground and what legislations need to change in the future in order for the industry to remain sustainable and bright.

I spoke about the work we do, the challenges we face, how social prescribing is currently working for us and what legislations we need urgently for safe, professional care. I also shared my experience and knowledge regarding the challenges within the media’s representation of gardening, and the compelling differences between the mental health of hobby gardeners and those who work as professional gardeners, landscapers or large-scale growers.

Are school sessions available in Powys schools now, and what happens at those?

Absolutely! They are available for primary and secondary age school children, across the area.

Our alternative education school programmes for children are designed specifically for those who are struggling with the mainstream school environment. The 6 – 12 week, or ongoing two hour weekly sessions, give selected individuals an opportunity to gain more time, space and attention away from the distractions of the classroom. Pupils who benefit massively from these sessions are those struggling with mental health illnesses, difficult home situations, anxiety and low confidence, including those already with a Child & Adolescent Mental Health team and on the SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disability) register with SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) needs.

Feedback from students:

“It’s been great! It’s really boosted my confidence.”

“I really enjoyed the programme and I recommend it to anyone else as it’s really fun and a good opportunity to make cool things and meet new people.”

“It has helped me come out of my shell and have more confidence. I have made a new friend and it has helped me deal with my feelings.”

What are the main challenges of your role?

Funding, accessibility and recruiting currently, and trying to work with and juggle all those challenges at the same time is probably a good summary.

Accessibility feels challenging right now for us, especially navigating how to engage with other services locally and GP practices who can refer local people to our services. So, any help would be greatly appreciated!

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done at Life at No.27

It has to be helping children understand and express their emotions freely and safely. Whether that’s talking, running, sitting quietly and noticing wildlife or covering themselves head to toe in soil. Helping teenagers release the pressures and frustrations they feel, so that they can be a child again for the time they are with me, has to be up there with one of the most rewarding parts of our work too.

I will never forget seeing one of our past adult allotmenteers taking home a full family meal worth of home grown produce they had grown with no previous experience and their pride when they cooked and served it for their wife and two children.

I could keep going, but I guess for me the most rewarding work is when I see people being able to be fully themselves, with no restrictions or societal pressures impacting how they feel and behave. As well as teaching people new practical and emotional skills that really help them grow in confidence and self-belief. Those smiles, release in their eyes, the pride in their stance and weight off their shoulders.

“Meeting Annabelle and joining the Life at No.27 programme changed the course of my life, and I will forever be grateful for her and her team for being there for me when I felt unheard and alone. Life at No.27 was pivotal for me. I have a long way to go on my mental health journey, but knowing she will always be there if I ever needed her again, is comfort enough to try to work through life’s challenges.”

You can read their full testimonial here.

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

I love anything creative, so painting, drawing and printmaking in my studio, and I spend a lot of my spare time growing my own produce and currently getting ready to welcome our own sheep. 

Many thanks to Annabelle for telling us all about Life at No.27. 

If you would like to find out more, check out the website or contact Annabelle by emailing: annabelle@lifeatno27.com

Brecon & District Mind - Introduction to a new Pilot Crisis Prevention Service

by guest author Val Walker
Chief Executive Officer at Brecon & District Mind

What is the service? – The purpose

This new service, from Brecon & District Mind in South Powys, will provide a place of safety when an individual is in mental health crisis but does not need a medical intervention or the support of inpatient services.

The service, which launches on Wednesday 3 February 2021, will provide support from suitably experienced and qualified crisis support staff in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment. Crisis support workers will be available in the centre to take initial calls from either the person in crisis or another agency wishing to refer into the service. Advice and support will either be conducted over the phone or in accordance with all current Coronavirus regulations, support may take place face to face in the centre.

Val Walker, CEO at Brecon & District Mind

Crisis support staff will carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment and a personal risk assessment with the person in crisis or their representative before agreement to attend the centre in person. The person in crisis will need to be able to make their own way in to the centre wherever possible.

When?

The service will operate 5 nights per week initially - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sundays from 7:30 - 10:30pm. Crisis workers will be available to take calls from 7pm via the crisis line – 01874 793118.

Where?

The service will operate at Brecon and District Mind’s Wellbeing centre in Brecon – Ty Croeso.

What can I expect?

• To be treated as an individual.
• To be listened to non-judgmentally to understand what matters to you.
• To be supported either by phone or face to face in the centre.
• To look at coping mechanisms and tools that will help you deal with your situation and the feelings leading to the crisis.
• To be signposted to a range of other services to support you following the moment of crisis.
• To be referred to the appropriate agencies should you need medical intervention or should you become a risk to yourself or to others.
• To find a place of safety where you can talk about your feelings and experience with staff and or peers who may have had/are having similar experiences.

Why are we doing this?

We are aware that many more people than ever are struggling with life’s difficulties and pressures. When life gets too difficult it can be hard to contain feelings and emotions that arise, which can lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide. 

We want to provide a safe space where people can talk openly to skilled and experienced staff who understand to prevent situations escalating. Talking about how you feel without being judged, and feeling that you are being listened to,, is the first step to getting the support you need to help you through a difficult time.

Contact numbers 

Crisis Prevention Service: 01874 793118 

Brecon & District Mind office: 01874 611529 

Email: info@breconmind.org.uk

Green Minds Ecotherapy Project - South Powys

by guest author Jess Tanner

Green Minds is Brecon & District Mind's new Ecotherapy project which launched this winter. As a fledgling project we are in the process of developing a range of nature-based initiatives that are rich in social and therapeutic value, and aim to reduce social isolation and increase the quality of life for our group members and the local community.

Our project's aim is to help our members to build a stronger connection and sense of belonging to the local environment by exploring the local landscape through mindfulness and nature-connection walks. The project will also help people to create new links within the local area through volunteering roles, and provide opportunities for our members to build self-confidence, self-reliance and new skills.

Our activities are currently taking place at Brecon Cathedral where our project is working towards the design and development of more wildlife friendly planting within the garden areas of the cathedral grounds. We have also started work within a walled garden in Brecon this month, preparing the polytunnel for the seed sowing ahead.

We also have lots of woodland mindfulness walks and craft activities coming up over the next few months. These include willow weaving workshops led by a professional basket maker as well as a bird box making session as part of February's national bird box making month.

We are now open to receive new referrals from within the community for those that feel being part of the Green Minds project will be of benefit to them. Please get in touch for more details.

When asked what mattered most to our members after the Green Minds' sessions their responses were:

“Working with other people and being able to see the end result. I feel less worried, being outside helps clear your mind.” - Sarah

“I felt uplifted when we took a step back and looked at the results of our graft. It's good to interact with others and be outside doing something good.” - Rich

Jess Tanner - Project lead biography

As well as working for Brecon & District Mind as a Community Wellbeing Support Worker, Jess leads the new Green Minds Ecotherapy Project, delivering horticultural therapy and community gardening activities for adults. 

Her background includes working within the creative arts therapies, outdoor education and life long learning. Jess undertook her horticultural training over a one year WRAGS placement (Women retraining as a gardener scheme) in the Black Mountains and also holds an Award in Social & Therapeutic Horticulture with Thrive. 

Jess is passionate about facilitating opportunities that help people to access gardens and green spaces and build stronger relationships with the local area and surrounding landscapes.

Emma Charles - Co-project lead biography

Emma is a Nature Based Facilitator offering ecotherapy and social and therapeutic horticulture in and around the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains. 

Her background is in social care provision, having worked in the third sector for over 10 years. Emma has recently joined the Green Minds Ecotherapy Project and her hope is to raise awareness of the importance of the natural world on our mental and physical wellbeing, and to bring people into a closer relationship with their natural selves whilst cultivating a deeper sense of appreciation for the beautiful environment they live in here in the Brecon Beacons.

You can find out more about the Green Minds Ecotherapy Project by contacting Jess Tanner at Brecon & District Mind, email: Jess.T@breconmind.org.uk or ring 01874 611529. Jess works Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Social prescribing - a pilot project in South Powys

Rhiannon Davies is known to many people as she was, for many years, the very active chair of Brecon Dementia Friendly Community. Recently Rhiannon has moved on to a new role in the voluntary sector in South Powys, as a link worker for a very particular project at Brecon & District Mind. I was interested to find out more, as social prescribing is becoming increasingly recognised as an important service to complement more traditional health services at the local GP surgery.

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing recognises that people’s lives and health are affected by social, economic and environmental factors and these needs have to be taken into account for our wellbeing. Looking at people holistically and addressing these things takes extra time. So rather than just having a prescription for a medicine, social prescribing can help you to access a wide range of support and activities in the local community to ensure your needs are being met.

Tell us more about your role with Brecon & District Mind

I am a link worker providing a new service, provided by Brecon and District Mind, in Brecon Medical Practice on Thursdays, and Crickhowell Medical Centre on Tuesdays. It’s called Social Prescribing and it aims to help you get the support you need, when you need it, to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Why might someone need this service?

Maybe big life decisions are making you worry, so you might want to approach the decisions differently. If you are feeling lonely you might like to make new friends. If you have money problems, you might like to be more in control of your finances. If you are feeling stressed, anxious and depressed you would probably like to sleep better and feel more relaxed.

Everyone needs some help from time to time to overcome life’s challenges. The answer lies in finding the right support at the right time.

Who can be referred to the Social Prescribing service and how?

If you are over 18 and registered with either Brecon or Crickhowell Medical Practices you can ask for a Social Prescribing patient pack at the surgery reception and make a self-referral by completing a consent form. 

Sarah James, Link Worker and Helen O'Donovan, Administrator

How does Social Prescribing work?

Once you have completed a consent form, as a link worker, I will contact you to arrange an appointment at the surgery. When we meet, you can then spend time with me, letting me know your circumstances, how you are feeling, what matters to you and what you think might help to improve your wellbeing. 

Using my knowledge of community support and services, I will then help you to connect to the appropriate local community and voluntary groups, activities and advice services. This could range from wellbeing activities in your local community, housing / benefits / financial support and advice, art or music activities, support groups covering things like bereavement, relationship issues, stress or mindfulness, walking or running groups, and peer support from others who have similar experiences. 

After about three months you will have a final follow-up phone call or meeting so we can see the impact the service has had.

Why was this project set up?

This social prescribing service is part of a joint research project between Mind Cymru and local Minds, funded by Welsh Government. Understanding how social prescribing can help people overcome stress and anxiety is really important in deciding how best to develop medical services in the future. So as part of the process you will be asked some questions about how you are feeling, and your experiences before and after you have used the service.

We know that social prescribing has really helped people in other areas. By taking part in this initiative those who participate are contributing to important evidence that will help plan future health services. All collected data is anonymous.

Is this service available in other parts of Powys?

My colleague, Sarah James, is allocated link worker for Hay and Talgarth surgeries, but Brecon and District Mind is still waiting for the green light before setting up the service there. Ystradgynlais Mind is also part of the research project and has two link workers working in a similar way to Brecon and District Mind.

Which organisations do you work closely with in Powys to provide support to people?

These are early days as the service has only been running for a few weeks, but already I have made referrals to a number of local voluntary organisations, housing, Brecon Leisure Centre, Brecon Job Centre, volunteering groups, a walking group, an art group, the Centre for Long-term Condition Management and Brecon Mind Community Wellbeing service to name a few! The list of potential organisations we have collated to date is well over seventy!

What kind of feedback are you getting from people about the project?

So far the feedback has been very positive, and people are genuinely grateful to have access to such a resource. As I said, the service is still in its infancy, so we hope the numbers accessing the service will build as the word gets out.

What are the main challenges of the role?

Not knowing who is going to come through the door, it’s really important to stay open minded and really listen, so you are not just hearing what people say, but what they mean. Because it’s a new service, making sure all the healthcare professionals are aware of what it can offer and its benefits, so they see it as a regular part of their referral pathway in delivering healthcare is a genuine challenge – as is trying to fit everything in in just two working days a week!

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done in the role so far

I have met some fantastic people to date. People who struggle to see their own strengths and just need some encouragement and support to find what they already have within themselves. Being part of that process and seeing them genuinely engage and take responsibility, setting themselves goals and then, with some extra knowledge and understanding, move forward is hugely rewarding and inspiring.

When you are not working for Brecon & District Mind, how do you enjoy spending your time?

Reading, going to concerts and listening to music, walking our dog, gardening, doing volunteer work within my own community, being with friends and family. Juggling and balancing are my two constant challenges, but I’m up for it as long as I’m learning!

If you want to find out more about the Social Prescribing service you can contact Rhiannon by emailing: rhiannon@breconmind.org.uk or ring: 01874 611529 / 07487 523992. Rhiannon is happy to answer individual questions or queries about the service or spread the word by talking to community groups.

To DBT or not to DBT? That was the question...

This was the intriguing title of one of the key presentations at the recent Powys Research, Therapies and Health Sciences Conference: Inspiration and Innovation to Drive Patient Centred Care. I attended the conference last November and subsequently wrote How is telehealth working in Mid Wales? The day was packed full of inspiring talks and workshops on all aspects of innovative health work and research going on in the county – do go this year if it’s on again and you get chance.

Anyway, Dr Kathryn Walters, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Dr David Pyle, Associate Specialist Psychiatrist, told us all about a relatively new service that has been developed in South Powys, to deliver Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for the first time in the county. They were joined by Richard, who has been through the programme in Powys and was able to tell us what it was like for him.

Dr Kathryn Walters

First things first. What exactly is DBT? Over to Kathryn and David: 

“DBT is a cognitive behavioural treatment that was originally developed in the United States to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and is now recognised as the gold standard psychological treatment for clients with this diagnosis. In addition, research has shown that it is effective in treating a wide range of other disorders such as substance dependence, depression, post traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders.” 

Apparently 20% of mental health inpatients have been diagnosed with BPD/ Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder.

And so this is my next question: what is borderline personality disorder? 


We’re not very keen on psychiatric labels on this blog, but this one is used routinely by the mental health services in the UK, including here in Powys. Kathryn referred to the DSM V definition (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association) which is extremely detailed. There is a good description on the mental health charity Mind’s website, where people have also posted about what it feels like for them: “having BPD is like the emotional version of being a burn victim. Everything in the world hurts more than it seems to for everyone else and any 'thick skin' you are supposed to have just isn't there”. First thing on a Monday morning and probably most people would meet the criteria for BPD… but for those where difficulties continue and go on to become very extreme, and when people self harm often or attempt suicide, then they are very likely to come into contact with mental health services.

Kathryn explained more about the biosocial theory of BPD – that some people are born experiencing emotions more acutely, and have difficulties managing their emotions. This could be reinforced by the responses of family, friends and services, and ultimately it can be very difficult to change behaviours.

So, why DBT? Dialectics is about balancing opposites: balancing acceptance and change. It incorporates elements of mindfulness and radical acceptance, and helps people to accept the world as it is rather than battle against it. In other parts of the UK it had already been shown to be successful as a kind of “mental health gym” to improve the lives of people with a BPD diagnosis. A study in South West Wales where DBT is provided by Hywel Dda Health Board highlighted that financial savings could also be achieved. So, three years ago, in recognition of the fact that there was at that time no DBT service available to Powys residents, a bid was submitted to charitable funds to train six multi-disciplinary members of staff in order to set up a DBT service in South Powys.

Dr Kathryn Walters leads this team, which comprises Psychologists, Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs), an Occupational Therapist (OT) and a Psychiatrist. If, following assessment, someone is referred for a course of DBT they will join a rolling programme and be offered individual and group therapy, skills training, and phone consultations. (People in secondary mental health care with a care co-ordinator and a diagnosis of BPD can be referred. Care co-ordinators generally make referrals for DBT assessment). Feedback from people who have received DBT indicates that there is a general trend of improvement in people understanding and managing their difficulties better, and most are greatly satisfied with the programme.

Richard was in one of the first cohorts receiving DBT in Powys and spoke very favourably of his experience on the programme. Prior to joining he described his life as very difficult: “meds, meds, and more meds”, and not much support. It was rare for him to think through his thoughts – they were automatic and he would react to them. He was experiencing difficulties with his personal life to the extent that he self-harmed a lot. But this all changed once he started the 14 month DBT course. At first Richard felt that the programme went completely over his head. However, he committed himself to DBT and to the group, and he bonded quickly with fellow participants. It was reassuring to be with others who knew how he was feeling so that he didn’t have to explain all the time.

A third of the way through the DBT programme Richard had an experience which really changed his life. Everything suddenly became clear, and he felt changes within himself. He started to discuss his thoughts. By the end of the course he felt that he was a completely different person from when he had started. It is now 2 years since Richard completed the DBT programme, and he has not tried to self-harm or “do anything crazy” since. In fact, he is now into the third year of running his own business, has a good relationship with his partner, and a new baby.

Kathryn explained that people are encouraged to meet up as a “graduate group” once they have finished the course. There is also an open door for participants to get back in touch if that is what they want. The team stay in contact with annual Christmas cards. Meanwhile, demand for the South Powys DBT service has grown and there is currently a waiting list of 20 clients and three further members of staff have been trained to join the team.

So, in conclusion, it looks like the answer to the original question was definitely: “To DBT”. Which is perhaps not surprising, as much has been written online about the positive effects of DBT, such as: “DBT is not just a form of psychological therapy but a life-programme which patients use, initially to prevent serious self-harm or suicide and ultimately to build fruitful, satisfying lives”.

Do you have any experience of DBT? Whether you have or not, let us know what you think in the comments box below.

Stepping Stones @ Brecon & District Mind

This week's guest blog post is from the team leading on an innovative new project at Brecon & District Mind. Neil Hurst is the Project Officer, and Clare Searle the Project Administrator.

First they tell us all about the Stepping Stones Project, and then we find out more about them and why they decided to get involved with this work. So, over to Neil and Clare.

Brecon and District Mind has received funding from the People's Health Trust to run a project called Stepping Stones.

What is Stepping Stones you may ask, well the project offers a pathway of activities aimed at assisting people to overcome their barriers to employment and, as part of that pathway, the support to stay in employment moving forward. Or you may already be in employment and need a little external support. This project is open to the wider community as well as Mind members. We offer group training sessions to include; team building, CV writing, interview skills, and confidence building. We are always open to other training initiative ideas that you may have. In addition, there are also 1:1 sessions that are held on an individual basis in a confidential setting.

Why not come along to one of our informal and friendly sessions in Brecon, Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye and see what support we can offer? Dates are posted on the Brecon & District Mind Facebook page and on flyers dotted around.

What brought you to this job?

Neil… Having worked for the past five years for Communities 1st within Blaenau Gwent running social enterprises focusing on employment and training for 16 – 30 year olds, I found myself transferring my employment to one of the enterprises on a reduced hours contract. This led me to make a conscious choice to find additional work – and gave me the opportunity to look at options closer to home in Brecon. The Stepping Stones project post was an excellent opportunity to undertake some really meaningful employment back in the communities I now call home and in a field which I enjoy working in.

Clare… Having moved from Exeter, Devon to Wales during which I had a career break for 3 years to be an almost stay at home mummy, I was looking for a part time role to get me back into work. The Stepping Stones project jumped out at me as the perfect job to do this.

Being from Kent, Neil considers Clare to be a ‘southern Softie’, and whilst Neil is from Yorkshire he seems to have lost his flat cap and whippet.

What were you doing previously?

Neil… The previous five years to this, and still on-going three days a week, I run initiatives in Blaenau Gwent offering volunteering, paid work tasters, paid transitional employment and apprenticeships for 16 – 30 year olds at the most extreme margins of society. Prior to that I ran other social enterprise initiatives including for the Prince’s Trust and in my deepest darkest past I was an accountant and logistics manager in the private sector working for Senior Engineering.

Clare… Since leaving school some !!!!!! years ago! I have worked in Secretarial / Project Assistant roles, mainly in London and then more recently in Exeter, Devon. Always varied roles from making the coffee and walking it down the road to an outsourced meeting room (I kid you not!) to organising large charity events.

Neil has honed his skills over 25 years and has almost attained the skills to make a decent cup of tea, whilst Clare has passed this role from her previous jobs on to Neil.

What is it about this work that enthuses and inspires you? Why is it really important?

Neil… I was inspired to apply for the Stepping Stones Co-ordinator role as I could see the real impact the project has in a small community like Brecon and our surrounding outreach centres. Whilst we are running a project that has set targets and goals – I am more enthused by the impact the project has in terms of people’s lives and the journey that the project can take people on. Fortunately the project goals allow me to maintain that enthusiasm through people’s personal stories and challenges.

Clare… The Stepping Stones project is such an amazing project to be involved in. Mental health is not an illness that is often discussed and many do not know how to approach this illness, particularly with regards to employment, so how great is it to have this facility to provide instant support and the tools needed to help you to find and get back into work. The project is also there to provide support during employment.

Two months in and we are beginning to see the impact of the project on people’s lives… We already have our Brecon and Crickhowell sessions running with Hay starting in early June.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Neil… Spare time seems like a luxury at the moment, especially at this time of year with so much to do around the garden. I volunteer and am on the Board of Smart Money Cymru (Credit Union) and until last year was a member of the Mid Wales area committee for the Co-operative Group. Leisure again seems like a real luxury sometimes but until recently I was a keen footballer. However the years have crept up on my decrepit body and I have been forced to play golf whenever I can in Cradoc – well I turn up and drive the buggy anyway which is a real source of amusement to my colleague Clare.

Clare… Spare time, what spare time!!! Having a 3 year old doesn’t leave me much spare time, but I do love to paint and walk the dog, we are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area.

 

To book an appointment with us, or let us know you are coming, call the Mind office on 01874 611529 and ask for the Stepping Stones team, or email clare@breconmind.org.uk 

If we are not in the office we will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you.

Linda's experience since being diagnosed with dementia

There is a bit of a dementia theme on the blog at the moment which works well as Dementia Awareness Week starts in just a few days.

Last week I wrote about the Dementia Supportive Communities Event in the North, and this week we focus on young-onset dementia with a look at the South of the county.  

Bethan Morris, who is a Dementia Support Worker with Alzheimer's Society for Gwent and South Powys, recently contacted our Information Service to find out more about activities in the county. 

As a result she was able to put me in touch with Linda, who was diagnosed with young-onset dementia, dementia which affects people under the age of 65. Linda kindly agreed to tell us about her diagnosis, and what has happened since.

I knew I had problems with my memory whilst I was at work and didn’t think much about it and used to say I am having a "dementia day" and could someone help me? Little did I know that I was suffering from dementia. I did ask my doctor on several occasions about my memory loss and was told it was my age - it's normal as people get older, or I was depressed and given anti-depression tablets. 

It wasn’t until I saw a different doctor after I had retired from work at the age of 60 that they thought there was a problem with my speech and memory and I was given a memory test. From there I was referred to a memory clinic at the hospital. I was given a memory test at the hospital and then saw the consultant and was told I had a form of Alzheimer’s but he would like a second opinion. I went home and looked at the diagnosis on the internet and felt the diagnosis wasn’t me as I did not fit the criteria. After a MRI scan I was given the second diagnosis of vascular dementia.

At the first visit the consultant asked me if he could inform the Alzheimer’s Society to come and visit me and to give me advice and information and describe the way they could help me. I was visited by Anne from the Society who talked about what the Alzheimer’s Society could offer me and the help that was on offer, she also told me about all the activities the Society provided like a singing group, art group and a monthly memory cafe. At that time I did not want to speak to anybody about my illness as I couldn’t think quick enough to answer questions and I didn’t want to feel silly or be judged, and anyway I couldn’t sing or draw. But after time I felt like I would like to go along to a memory cafe to see what it was like. The first time I was extremely nervous and frightened but I was made to feel very welcomed and from here the Society has changed my life for the better.

From the memory cafe I made friends and was asked to join the singing group. I said no I couldn’t sing but was told that didn’t matter as it was fun and I would enjoy it so I said I will give it one go and if I didn’t like it I wouldn’t go again. After going for the first time I am still going and we have just had our fifth anniversary. I love it. Our choir mistress is extremely funny and we have a marvellous time and come away feeling uplifted. We now have gigs all over Wales and have even sung at the Millennium Centre. I was also asked to join the art group, my art has really improved, I am unable to copy other work as I have a very shaky hand but I do my own thing and love it. Mine is more modern art but it doesn’t matter if you cannot draw as there are always ways around it.

I now sit on a Service User Review Panel, we either overview a new/old document or have a live speaker who would like our opinion on new projects etc. Age Cymru has been commissioned to ask people across Wales about their experience of living with dementia and wanted our views. We have been asked how they could improve the Memory Walk etc.

About five years ago there was a forum for Younger People Living with Dementia and we were asked what we wanted from the community. The joint opinion was that we wanted our own permanent unit for people living with dementia. Somebody on the panel asked ‘Was this just a paper exercise’.

About two years later, however, this idea became reality because the Seren group took on the project in Blackwood and they asked the SURP if we wanted to be involved once the plans had been drawn up. We sat every month to discuss how the project was coming on, we chose all the interior, even the name of the unit. There is an outbuilding we called the ‘CWTCH’ where meetings could be held, we could have parties, our own kitchen to make drinks and even a hairdressers and a chiropodist room. We named the building ‘Cwmgelli Lodge’, this is now opened and we have our SURP meeting there and there are now permanent residents living there.

Having dementia changes your life and sometimes it is difficult but the Alzheimer’s Society helped me to change it for the better. I have become more confident, have a feeling of self worth being able to change people’s perception of dementia, I can emphathise with others, listen to others and offer my support and encouragement.

I attend the monthly memory cafe, singing group, art groups, SURPS' meeting, attend interviews, talk at workshops and conferences, and became an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society. My husband attends a carers' meeting group to discuss any issues and sometimes there are speakers - at least he has a point of contact should it be required.

I now have a befriender Chris and she takes me out every week for two hours. I am always asked where I would like to go, sometimes we go on girlie shopping trips, or go for walks to the wetlands, parks or reservoir, to museums or just go to places of interest but we always end up for a coffee and a chat and this gives my husband time for himself.

I have learned to change small things for the better to improve my life. I make lots of sticky notes and place them around the home to remind me of things I might have forgotten like my purse, my phone, my keys etc. I make lists for when I go shopping and I have a note to remind me ‘have I got my list’. We have changed the cooker to an induction cooker so that it will switch itself off if something is burning, my iron turns itself off if not being used, my shower is set at a certain temperature so I only have to turn one handle, my calendar has become like a bible to me as I write everything on it so I know what it going on every day, and I keep a notepad and pen in my bag so that I can write information down as I normally forget dates.

I am an Ambassador for the Society because I like to help others and I like to give back to the Society as they have given me a quality of life that I thought I would never have.

I look forward and not back, concentrate on the things I can do and forget about the things I cannot do, try new things and if I don’t enjoy it I don’t do it again and can say I have given it a go but it isn’t for me.

You can live well with dementia.

Many thanks to Linda for telling us her story.

The Alzheimer's Society office for Young People with Dementia where Bethan Morris is based is in Pontypool. Staff provide information on all aspects of dementia, including support on caring for a person with dementia and providing emotional support to Younger People with Dementia (YPwD) and their family members. A Younger Person with Dementia is someone diagnosed at the age of 65 and under. This service is available across Gwent and South Powys. Also available: one to one support service for younger people with dementia, offering social support within the community. Home visits can be arranged, please contact Bethan Morris by ringing 01495 768744 or email: bethan.morris@alzheimers.org.uk

Dementia Awareness Week is from 15 - 21 May 2016. Brecon Dementia Friendly Community has organised a number of additional events to coincide with the week, you can find out more here. If you know of any other events or activities then do let us know in the comments section below.

Cuppa with a Copper

Leanne Morris is a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) for Dyfed-Powys Police based with the Brecon Neighbourhood Policing Team. Along with other PCSOs, Leanne supports the NPT by “engaging with the community and providing a highly-visible and reassuring presence.” In November 2015 Leanne attended the first of our PAVO mental health team’s Stand-up! for emotional health and wellbeing partnership meetings which took place in Brecon. 

My colleague Anne Woods, who is funded for three years by Comic Relief to develop this participation work across Powys, set up the meeting at Brecon & District Mind. It was the first of several planned for Brecon, and people who have been in contact with mental health services, and people close to them, are encouraged to attend and meet up with NHS staff, the local mental health advocate and third sector representatives. Local police PCSOs are also invited and generally made very welcome.

And so it was that Leanne attended that first meeting in Brecon, where there were cuppas and cakes… Anne takes up the story:

“As a result of the Comic Relief funded participation work, a spin off project has started to improve relationships between the local police service and people who experience mental ill-health. Regular opportunities have been created to have a ‘Cuppa with a Copper’ at Brecon & District Mind recovery and well-being centre, to improve relationships between police officers and the community they serve.

When Leanne attended that first Brecon Stand up! Meeting it quickly became apparent that the presence of someone in police uniform had an effect on some people there, and a discussion followed about their experiences of coming into contact with the police. Some people recounted negative experiences or negative feelings towards the police as a result. When someone is experiencing extreme emotional distress, frequently it is the police who are the first service they come into contact with."

Some of the issues which arose at the Brecon meeting have been discussed in publications such as The Police Federation of England and Wales publication "Police." In an article entitled Forum to focus on mental health issues in custody, Kevin Huish, the 2013 mental health lead on mental health wrote: "It’s widely acknowledged by all experts that police custody is the last place a person suffering a mental health crisis should be. Being confronted by officers in uniform with all their kit further exacerbates that breakdown." In Powys, a multi-agency approach is now working to improve the police response to those with mental health needs. However, sometimes, even when the crisis is over, and perhaps some time well in the future, just being in a room with someone in police uniform can trigger distressing feelings for an individual.

Back to Anne and the Cuppa with a Copper initiative.... 

"After the group meeting Leanne approached me to suggest that we find ways to foster better relationships. I followed up by organising a meeting with Val Walker, the manager of Brecon & District Mind, and we developed a proposal to put to the members. As a result, and with the members’ full support, the police now hold a monthly drop-in session to have ‘a Cuppa with a Copper’.

These sessions are informal and provide an opportunity for people to raise issues or seek advice but also simply to get to know each other, whether they wear a uniform or not. By timetabling and advertising the sessions, it gives people the opportunity to stay away if they feel interacting with the police would trigger difficult feelings or memories. Fortunately, however, the drop-ins have been well attended. There is also now talk of the police helping out with some of Brecon & District Mind’s outdoor volunteering projects alongside members.

This spin-off is transforming a negative situation into a positive one. The Comic Relief funded work has revealed tensions in the local community, an opportunity to take practical steps to address them has been followed up, and the initiative is improving the lives of people in the Brecon area.”

PCSO Leanne Morris told us what she thought about the new opportunity to meet up with members of Brecon & District Mind:

"The aim of setting up the Cuppa with a Copper meetings is to build relationships between the police and the people attending the Mind centre in Brecon who have experienced issues with mental health. I wanted to show the human face behind the uniform so that if anything comes up in future people feel happy to approach and speak to us on the street.

I worked for 10 years in the field of substance misuse, and with dual diagnosis clients - people who self-medicate with alcohol. I also spent 2 years at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital working with people with alcohol related problems, including assessing people on a mental health ward. So I can appreciate why people feel the way they do, why they can have varied and negative views of the police.

The meetings are running really well. I've been asked back anyway, so that's a good sign! And one of the Brecon Mind members wants to write a piece for the organisation's newsletter.

Some people only come into contact with the police when they are in crisis - which is obviously not ideal. I want people to meet us at different times to chat. Even if they are just offloading - that can really help."

Thanks to Anne and Leanne for the update, and watch this space for details of the next Cuppa with a Copper meeting in Brecon.

Find out more about Brecon & District Mind activities.

Do you care about adult mental health provision in the NHS in Powys and think it could be better or should be run differently? 

The next Stand up! for emotional health and well being meeting takes place in Newtown on Tuesday 3 May. Contact Anne Woods on anne.woods@pavo.org.uk or tel: 01597 822191 if you want to find out more.

Bev Clarke - award-winning volunteer counsellor Ystradgynlais Mind

Bev receiving her Outstanding Contribution Award from the
High Sheriff of Powys, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Lewis DL

Bev Clarke has been volunteering at Ystradgynlais Mind for the past 4 years as a Level 6 counsellor / supervisor, enabling the mental health charity to provide a free counselling service to the community. She volunteers 3 days a week. She has enabled the recruitment of 7 further student counsellors, who benefit from her supervision and guidance. Her input both into clients and students is life changing.

In October 2015 Bev was winner of an Outstanding Contribution Award at the Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards. Her nominator said: “Bev has experienced her own difficulties throughout her life and she demonstrates you can overcome anything and give so much to the community despite those difficulties. She inspires all at Ystradgynlais and is loved and respected.”

Carol Stephens, Chief Executive at Ystradgynlais Mind, said: “We are thrilled about Bev's award, it is so well deserved. She's a diamond.”

We talked to Bev to find out more about her invaluable contribution at Ystradgynlais Mind.

What originally motivated you to start volunteering at Ystradgynlais Mind?

I graduated from the University of South Wales at Pontypridd in 2009 (Bachelor of Science (BSc) Hons, Systemic Counselling) and was looking for a counselling placement. I needed 450 hours of supervised counselling for my accreditation. I have 1050 now, 800 of these from counselling sessions at Ystradgynlais Mind.

I first came over to Ystradgynlais looking for plants and saw that there was a Mind centre here. I set up my own counselling practice in Port Talbot with a friend from university and volunteered my services to Ystrad Mind. Carol interviewed me and it went really well. She said – can you start next Wednesday?!

I have bipolar and Carol said “we’re looking for people like you”. It’s been a wonderful experience. I didn’t have to hide my mental health issues, it was like the start of a new beginning.

Carol and I share the same vision – which is to do the best for our clients and also to provide good packages for our student counsellors.

Tell us more about your role as a counsellor at Ystradgynlais Mind

A lot of men come to us for counselling which is unusual. It stands out at about 55%. They have moderate issues as they almost leave it too late to seek help. Women are not afraid to access the service, so their issues are often mild to moderate.

Most of our clients are middle-aged – in their 40s and 50s, with various issues. Often they might be waiting for treatment from the statutory mental health teams so they seek support from the voluntary sector instead. They usually have about 7 – 8 one hour counselling sessions, weekly or fortnightly depending on the complexity of the issues.

How does counselling make people’s lives better?

It is a forum where people can be heard. They take their issues away from their families and share them with someone else who is prepared to listen. They have more clarity with the help of a counsellor and so see things that they couldn’t before.

Who is eligible to receive the counselling service, and for how long can they access support?

The service is available to people 17 +. They can self-refer – some people walk in off the street - or they are referred by the GPs in the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board cluster area.

If your role didn’t exist, what would happen to people who needed support with their mental health in Ystradgynlais and district?

I’ve seen mental health care decrease unbelievably in the past 4 – 5 years. There is no help there for people. Mental health isn’t a “sexy” health condition, so there is no investment or focus as with other ailments. It feels as if mental health is the poor relation. This is really obvious when working in the Third Sector.

Tell us more about your work supporting 7 student counsellors

I provide support for them, which includes 1½ hour supervision once a month where we’ll talk about the issues that have been raised with clients and signposting options for people. I also make sure that the counsellors are safe, and don’t take home any issues that could impact on their lives.

We source new student counsellors when we need them from the universities. The students are supposed to complete 100 hours of supervised counselling here, but some have already done 300. We give them an excellent level of support, their insurance is covered and they enjoy the experience here so they stay.

I believe you also provide counselling for GP patients in a neighbouring health board?

Our counselling services have now been taken on by GPs in the Ponterdawe and Neath Valley area so it has been well worth it.

Tell us some of the hardest things about being a volunteer counsellor

Watching how hard it is for those working and volunteering in the Third Sector to apply for grants and funding just to make ends meet. I’m here 2 – 3 days a week, but Carol is here for 5. I know how hard she works and how little she takes. I’ve got a bigger picture as a volunteer.

What is the most rewarding aspect of volunteering at Ystradgynlais Mind?

To see how the clients improve. And most of them give back – for example they give talks on their own mental health which is so enlightening for the student counsellors. It’s great the way that they find it good to say what they’ve been through. Clients also feedback to counsellors in supervision sessions.

What was it like winning the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Powys Volunteer of the Awards ceremony?

Well, at the end when I knew it was me who had won – my first thought was – don’t fall down the steps! There were fifty to get down!

I’m so proud of myself. My daughter was with me and she said – “you’ve set the bar even higher now!” To hear the words Carol had written when she put me forward for the award was wonderful.

The narrative of my own mental health issues was a guilty secret for so many years, it is almost a relief to talk about it now.

It was just a wonderful experience.

What would you say to encourage other people to volunteer to support people experiencing mental distress?

Don’t be afraid. We seek help from a psychiatrist in the same way as someone who is diabetic would go to a medical ward. It’s not like “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”. We’re working with wonderful people who just have unfortunate mental health issues.

I have enjoyed every minute that I’ve given to Ystradgynlais Mind.

Many thanks to Bev for telling us about her role at Ystradgynlais Mind. You can contact the charity by emailing info@minditv.org.uk or ringing 01597 824411, or visit the Ystradgynlais Mind website.

You can read more about the Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards on the PAVO website.
Outstanding Contribution category: These awards are in recognition of the outstanding contribution and commitment made to voluntary activity. The volunteering undertaken is selfless, a response to local need coming out of the community and is carried out willingly.

The Judges’ Panel was made up of PAVO trustees - Gloria Jones Powell, Ian Charlesworth and Keith Rollinson. The panel felt that Bev stood out because of:

• Her willingness to support others achieve their goals.
• She has overcome huge personal adversity in order to help others.
• Her unyielding commitment to the organisation she volunteers for.
• The difference she has made to the organisation on many levels.
• The difference she has made to the local community.

Claire Sterry, County Development Officer for PAVO, who helped organised the 2015 awards, said: “Bev is truly inspiring, it was an honour to meet her - she is a very special lady, and so unassuming!”