My 2022 journey with Ponthafren

 

Here in Powys our mental health charities do some absolutely amazing work!

For our final post this 2022 we find out more about the impact of Ponthafren’s One to One Recovery Project from a recent client.

Where do I start? Maybe a bit of background?

In 2019 I was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brian Injury (TBI) and advised to medically retire by the Neuropsychologist. I didn’t feel ready at that time and the Neuropsychologist himself retired leaving me to negotiate my diagnosis and progression myself.

Fast forward to 2021. Having worked through the pandemic as a Diabetes Specialist Nurse, providing support and training to staff as well as initiating new protocols and treatments, I was finding things more and more difficult. I was feeling the effects of my TBI and was afraid of making a mistake or killing a patient.

At the age of 55, having worked as a nurse for 26 years, I made the difficult decision to retire and in December 2021 I was awarded a Level 2 medical retirement on 31.12.2021. This had two effects. First, it confirmed I had made the right decision but secondly, it also meant that I was no longer a nurse, had no purpose and no support to help me navigate the TBI effects and how my life was changing. I was a failure.

During early 2022 I was struggling to obtain my pension from the NHS due to a previous employer who had not completed the appropriate paperwork. I was unaware of any benefits I was entitled to, and I was also unable to navigate the communication with the pensions department, ex-employer, etc, due to my poor cognitive abilities and labile emotions. (Basically, I just fell apart when trying to talk to anyone).

After 3 months of trying to navigate everything on my own my mental health had deteriorated to such an extent that I thought the world would be a better place without me in it. I had nowhere to go and no one to turn to for advice or support. The Neuropsychologist was never replaced in our area, and whilst the GP was supportive he was unable to provide any help. I couldn’t talk to my family as I didn’t want to be a burden. I cried if anyone talked to me, I felt a failure and worthless, I didn’t know how to negotiate my own life, who I was or who I wanted to be. I was withdrawn, lonely and felt a failure.

I was aware of Ponthafren, the mental health charity in North Powys, as I had provided some training there in the past. However, I really didn’t feel they were for me as I had some preconceived ideas as to the clientele. I certainly wasn’t sure what they could do - if anything - to help me, but I had to try something or I would not have been able to go on.

So I contacted Ponthafren and within a few weeks they had offered me an appointment to discuss my needs and see if they could offer support. I wasn’t hopeful! Then I met my One to One Recovery Worker. I don’t think I got through the first few meetings without being a complete mess! Crying, unable to find the words I needed and being withdrawn.

Over time my One to One Worker helped me to navigate the pensions; she also spoke/emailed the ex-employer and helped support me to apply for benefits. She gave me the reassurance that I was not beyond help and provided emotional as well as practical support. I could not have done it without her.

Through my One to One Worker’s support and encouragement I was able to access some counselling and to attend a gardening group. Initially being part of the group was difficult. I was unable to concentrate fully on what was happening as I struggled in a group, especially if more than one person was talking. I was unable to keep up with processing the information and I felt I didn’t belong. Also I cried… a lot! But I persevered.

When we transferred to volunteer at another large local garden overseen by a charity I couldn’t even get out of the car! I couldn’t work out how to park…. I didn’t know how to find the toilets. I didn’t know anyone and felt out of place. Every time I saw one of the other volunteers I broke down and cried, but still I persevered.

Slowly, with encouragement, I was able to attend other groups and not fall apart. I still have mini meltdowns and get fatigued, and my emotions overwhelm me on occasion, but I now have a purpose. I feel welcomed by all at Ponthafren and would be lost without them.

Fast forward 9 months

I am now a regular volunteer with Ponthafren. I also attend Mindfulness once a month, Singing for Well-being on a Tuesday, Yoga on a Wednesday, and Gardening on a Thursday.

Recently I was asked to facilitate the gardening group to enable it to carry on as Adult Learning Wales were unable to continue providing support. I didn’t think I could do it, but with the encouragement and support I have received, and continue to receive, I have become a volunteer for the charity’s garden as well as for Ponthafren. I can converse with the group effectively; I have attended meetings with regards to the group, and although there were a few teething problems initially I feel I am now able to steer the group and help it to grow for other members of Ponthafren and people just like me because of my One to One Worker and the rest of the team at Welshpool.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have meltdowns and cry on occasion, but I am generally better able to recognise when I need to step away and when I need to ask for help from others. This is without doubt a definite growth for me. I have a purpose, I have somewhere that people ‘see me’ and accept me for all my faults along with some strengths that I have been able to develop along this journey.

I really can’t put into words how much finding Ponthafren has helped me and changed my life this year. If it wasn’t for my One to One worker and the amazing team at Welshpool, I wouldn’t be here in December 2022.

I hope to be able to continue to give back to Ponthafren and be an asset to them, to be able to help and support others in my own slightly broken way as a volunteer. Ponthafren is for everyone who needs a little support or has been a little bit damaged just because of life! If I could change one thing it would be the misguided pre-conceptions that some people have, myself included, around what Ponthafren is, who it can help and what they can offer. I sing their praise from the roof top when able and have pointed a couple of people in their direction already.

Finally, I would like to say THANK YOU, you really do not know how you have saved me and enhanced my life. Keep doing what you all do so well.

Find out more about Ponthafren’s One to One Recovery project.

The new normal for our Powys mental health charities

 

Back in July we had a really helpful roundup from our mental health charities in Powys, to find out how they had been innovating to ensure continued service provision for their members since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

We recently met with them again, and decided this would be perfect opportunity to do a further update to share more information about their services in this strange and challenging year.

Here is what they had to tell us about what’s been happening for them lately. 

Please note that this update was made earlier in December, before the Welsh Government's latest announcements about new Covid-19 restrictions were announced for Wales.

Ystradgynlais Mind

Ystradgynlais Mind has migrated the majority of its service to online platforms and telephone support. We have increased our social media presence. The result of expanding our social media presence has been the ability to engage with and support many more people, particularly young people. 

Gareth James & Iwan Evans raised £2000 for Ystradgynlais Mind on a running challenge

The impact of digital exclusion has become more apparent to us since the onset of Covid 19. We have attempted to overcome the impact of digital exclusion by the provision of some IT equipment via purchases made through ‘Computer Recyclers’ plus issuing repurposed mobile phones etc. We have also increased our one to one telephone support to those who are digitally excluded and provided pre-arranged ‘welfare checks’ for those who are not receiving the same level of support previously delivered via statutory services. 

Perinatal support is now being delivered via webinar alongside one to one counselling support and peer support groups. We have also extended perinatal support to partners. Counselling provision has been increased by 75% to address the increasing demand for counselling. Referrals to blended online SilverCloud CBT have increased, the practitioner is currently holding a waiting list. Active Monitoring has been able to fill the gaps left by blended counselling through the provision of printed supporting materials and telephone support - this service is operating at capacity. 

After receiving Zoom training a member is able to access online counselling

Yoga and Mindful meditation has all been migrated to remote delivery. These sessions are proving popular and participation has increased by 150%. Peer supporters are now facilitating twice weekly online/phone support sessions. This group is growing in size and service users involved are supporting one another to form their own social support networks, reducing social isolation and increasing their own personal resilience.

Brecon & District Mind

Some of the issues that have come up for Brecon & District Mind recently include employment, children with anxiety around school or Covid itself, and a lot of people are keen for the drop-in to restart, so we are doing that now ensuring people making appointments to attend. Also a lot of people are becoming agoraphobic because of the rules and regulations. And there is some worry about Christmas and issues around that.

We have returned to face to face meetings outside and walk & talk sessions, but had taken the decision not to open the centre before the firebreak lockdown. We are going back to 1:1 sessions (as well as the drop-in) by appointment only. We will continue our schools work with children and young people, ensuring that this is done safely. We are doing a lot of family work and safeguarding and are looking into extra/crisis support in the evenings. A recent survey has shown that people have appreciated the support they have received from us in the last year with comments like: “Don’t know what I would have done without (Brecon) Mind’s support”, “excellent service”, brilliant counselling."

Unfortunately as we speak the guidelines and regulations around Covid have changed yet again so we are now having to revert to remote services until the New Year when the Welsh Government will be reviewing the situation. There will be staff available over the Christmas period to offer support by phone should anyone need this. Our centre is now closed and staff mostly working from home.

The Green Minds project is continuing and Brecon Cathedral is funding this for 1 day a week. Our Mums Matter project is also continuing with a new Zoom course starting in January. Our blended work in partnership with the online SilverCloud CBT is quieter. However, we are doing more wellbeing calls by phone and having more referrals into that. A survey we did shows that people prefer 1:1/ face-to-face support and so we are busy with that.

We have been fortunate in securing funding to employ our first Digital Technical Officer who is helping us develop our digital service offering and upskilling staff and service users where needed.

Mid and North Powys Mind

Here at Mid and North Powys Mind we are seeing very high levels of demand overall across all of our services, including more complex cases requiring more time for our support workers. We expect this trend to continue through to Spring 2021.

An episode of THRIVE on Facebook

The team is providing a blended service of both online work, including blended online SilverCloud CBT, counselling and support work, as well as still providing face-to-face meetings as and when needed. This blended approach means we can still meet the high level of demand as phone sessions are usually shorter and do not require time for travel, whereas the face-to-face sessions are there for those clients who struggle with the remote support.

We had our first day back working in Builth and Llandrindod High Schools to offer support to students aged 16 and over - this support had been halted in January. We’re going in with a really open mind as obviously things have changed since the last time we were there. It’s a very different environment now and we are taking it slowly, working with the schools and students to co-produce the support for the greatest impact. We still have 2 weekly online youth group sessions that are well attended.

We were lucky to secure some space in the Armoury, thanks to Ponthafren Association, and have started to run our first face-to-face Mums Matter course in Welshpool. Seven mums attended, which is our highest number since lockdown started. Two more face-to-face Mums Matter courses will be running in January/February.

Our Outreach group in Knighton used to meet every week on a Friday, but has been operating via telephone support with help from dedicated volunteers since the first lockdown. Now with the help of Impelo (a local charity using dance to transform people's lives) we are hoping to run one face-to-face dance session a month in Knighton, giving group members a chance to meet in a safe and supportive environment.

In Llandrindod our Tai-Chi group is meeting again in Celf after not meeting for a time and briefly being held in the Rock Park. This group is going well and is supported by volunteers and a trained tutor.

Since March we have supported over 500 people through face to face or phone meetings. Live broadcasts have continued to be very popular. Our digital content on Facebook and Youtube has been well received and we have been producing videos on Mindfulness, Tai Chi, THRIVE tips and other wellbeing activities. On Facebook we have had over 68,000 minutes of our videos watched since March and have now reached over 30,000 people.

We continue to offer remote training via Zoom, this has been a huge success, with many people previously unable to attend due to travel now being able to access the support.

Ponthafren Association

At Ponthafren Association we have been continuing to provide our services. Face-to-face this is appointment-based only to reduce our numbers in the buildings. Zoom has become the go-to for most things which has been really positive. Two Zoom groups, crochet and afternoon tea, have been very popular. Plus the videos on how to make Christmas decorations. Life skills courses have been popular and there has been strong demand for anger management courses. We continue to see an increase for all our services whilst working in partnership with others such as the Newtown Network.

Lockdown has created the opportunity for some people to reflect and explore their gender and we are currently supporting a number of people around this.

The Armoury, our new building in Welshpool, is preparing to open which is great. The construction company Paveways provided free labour and materials to refurbish the building through their charity’s arm, and they have been fantastic. You can watch a video of the work here. 

It’s been truly magical how the community has supported Ponthafren to support others. Rory raised over £800 as Santa on a bike and Cathy Beech released a record to raise funds for us.

You can find out more about the services these organisations are offering on their websites (linked above) or Facebook pages where you will also see details of their Christmas and New Year opening times.

Wishing everyone a relaxing Christmas and a peaceful New Year, 

and hoping for brighter times in 2021!

Reaching out to people made homeless in Powys

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

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

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

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

Will you be working closely with other agencies?

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

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

How is somebody referred in for this support?

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

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

Tell us more about how the support works

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

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

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

Which other organisations are in this partnership?

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

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

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

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

What can lead someone to become homeless in Powys?

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

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

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

Have you had any feedback about the project so far?

Feedback from clients:

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

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

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

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

Feedback from officers:

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

What are the most challenging areas of this work?

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

What are the most rewarding aspects?

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

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

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

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

Gearing up to help out: the latest on infoengine

by guest author Melissa Townsend
County Development Officer at Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations

infoengine is an online directory of third sector services across Wales. Individuals use infoengine to search for services which can support them in their area; for example, a food bank or club that they would like to get involved with.

infoengine has over 7,000 services registered across Wales and it is a helpful tool for those smaller organisations who do not have a website as infoengine can act as a web page for organisations.

Searching on infoengine is easy, all you need to do is add the keyword for the service you are looking for e.g. football and then add the area e.g. Brecon and infoengine will show you the relevant results.

During lock down, PAVO recruited an infoengine volunteer, Milly, who has been contacting groups in Powys to register on infoengine. Milly has been invaluable and has contacted food banks, community transport schemes and COVID-19 groups to support them to register on infoengine.

Milly recently received her A level results and has been accepted to her first choice university, so she left us in September. This is a really exciting time for Milly and we will sorely miss her and the support she has given to infoengine as a volunteer.

infoengine supports both individuals and organisations.

Age Connects Torfaen 

Here are some quotes from organisations and individuals who have used infoengine:

Emma, who works at Age Connects Torfaen, explains: “Infoengine is a comprehensive online source that we greatly value. It’s a positive step for the third sector to have their own platform, because good work is being carried out locally, by independent charities, many of which have limited marketing budgets. infoengine offers a safety net – for free.”

Powys food bank volunteers

Julia, a food bank volunteer, says: “infoengine is important to us, because we know a good number of people who have used it in order to find us. When people are in crisis they need help urgently, and it acts like a web page.”

Powys Befrienders get-together

Natalie, a volunteer turned employee of Powys Befriending Service, tells her story: “I was googling for a volunteering opportunity when I found their infoengine page. I now work for them full time and one of my tasks is to ensure each of the groups are listed, because I know – from experience – you never know who could be using the site and the difference it can make to their lives!”

If you would like support to register on infoengine or would like to become a volunteer, please contact us: infoengine@pavo.org.uk or telephone 01597 822191.

Click HERE to view our handy ‘How To’ Guide for registering on infoengine

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Yn paratoi i helpu: y diweddaraf ar infoengine

gan yr awdur gwadd Melissa Townsend

Swyddog Datblygu Sirol Cymdeithas Mudiadau Gwirfoddol Powys

Cyfeiriadur ar-lein o wasanaethau trydydd sector ledled Cymru yw infoengine. Mae unigolion yn defnyddio infoengine i chwilio am wasanaethau a all eu cefnogi yn eu hardal; er enghraifft, banc bwyd neu glwb yr hoffent gymryd rhan ynddo.

Mae gan infoengine dros 7,000 o wasanaethau wedi'u cofrestru ledled Cymru ac mae'n arf defnyddiol i'r sefydliadau llai hynny sydd heb wefan, gan y gall infoengine weithredu fel tudalen we i sefydliadau.

Mae’n rhwydd chwilio ar infoengine, y cyfan sydd angen i chi ei wneud yw ychwanegu'r allweddair ar gyfer y gwasanaeth rydych chi'n chwilio amdano e.e. Pêl-droed ac yna ychwanegu'r ardal e.e. Rhaeadr Gwy, a bydd infoengine yn dangos y canlyniadau perthnasol i chi.

Yn ystod y cyfnod clo, mae PAVO wedi recriwtio gwirfoddolwr ar gyfer infoengine - Milly, sydd wedi bod yn cysylltu â grwpiau Powys i gofrestru ar infoengine. Mae Milly wedi bod yn amhrisiadwy ac wedi cysylltu â banciau bwyd, cynlluniau cludiant cymunedol a grwpiau COVID-19 i'w cefnogi i gofrestru ar infoengine.

Yn ddiweddar, derbyniodd Milly ei chanlyniadau Lefel A ac mae wedi cael ei derbyn i'’r brifysgol a’i dewis cyntaf, felly bydd yn ein gadael ym mis Medi. Mae hwn yn amser cyffrous iawn i Milly a byddwn yn gweld ei eisiau yn fawr a'r gefnogaeth y mae wedi'i rhoi i infoengine fel gwirfoddolwr.

Mae infoengine yn cefnogi unigolion a sefydliadau.

Age Connects Torfaen 

Dyma rai dyfyniadau gan sefydliadau ac unigolion sydd wedi defnyddio infoengine:

Eglura Emma, ​​sy'n gweithio yn Age Connects Torfaen: “Mae Infoengine yn ffynhonnell ar-lein gynhwysfawr ac rydym yn ei gwerthfawrogi'n fawr. Mae'n gam pwysig i'r trydydd sector gael ei blatfform ei hun, oherwydd mae gwaith da yn cael ei wneud yn lleol, gan elusennau annibynnol, y mae gan lawer ohonynt gyllidebau marchnata cyfyngedig. Mae infoengine yn cynnig rhwyd ​​ddiogelwch - am ddim.”

Gwirfoddolwyr banc bwyd Powys

Dywed Julia, gwirfoddolwr gyda banc bwyd: “Mae infoengine yn bwysig i ni, oherwydd rydyn ni'n adnabod nifer dda o bobl sydd wedi'i ddefnyddio er mwyn dod o hyd i ni. Pan fydd pobl mewn argyfwng mae angen help arnyn nhw ar frys, ac mae'n gweithredu fel tudalen we."

Cyfeillgarwch Powys yn dod at ei gilydd

Mae Natalie, gwirfoddolwr sydd bellach yn gyflogedig gan Wasanaeth Cyfeillion Powys, yn adrodd ei stori: “Roeddwn yn chwilio am gyfle gwirfoddoli pan ddes o hyd i dudalen infoengine. Bellach, rwyf yn gweithio iddyn nhw’n llawn-amser ac un o fy nhasgau yw sicrhau bod pob un o'r grwpiau wedi'u rhestru, oherwydd rydw i'n gwybod - o brofiad - nad ydych chi byth yn gwybod pwy allai fod yn defnyddio'r wefan a'r gwahaniaeth y gall ei wneud i'w bywydau!"

Os hoffech gael cefnogaeth i gofrestru ar infoengine neu os hoffech ddod yn wirfoddolwr, cysylltwch â ni: infoengine@pavo.org.uk neu ffoniwch 01597 822191.

Cliciwch YMA i weld ein Canllaw defnyddiol ‘How To’ ar gyfer cofrestru ar infoengine

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The BAT Project in North Wales

Staff from the Ablett Unit in Rhyl with voluntary sector agencies including Vale of Clwyd Mind, Unllais,
Therapy Dogs Nationwide and Twix the dog.

I recently found out about a new partnership project in North Wales called BAT - Bringing Agencies Together. It's all about supporting people who have been in contact with mental health services, specifically hospital, and bridging that gap between leaving the ward and returning to the community.

The BAT Project has been running in the two neighbouring counties of Conwy and Denbighshire for just over a year now. It is a massive geographical area to cover, taking in the sandy beaches of the North Wales coast from Llandudno across to Prestatyn, and sweeping south across parts of the Snowdonia National Park, east into the Clwydian Hills and right down to Llangollen. On its southern edge Denbighshire borders Powys, so we can definitely count the locals there as our near neighbours! 

Hannah Luhde-Thompson (4th from left in photo) is the Improvement and Partnerships Development Officer at Unllais, the mental health development, involvement, information and training agency covering North Wales (our sister agency in the North!) She told me more about the initiative:

Service users at the Ablett Unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Rhyl are being supported in their recovery and return to the community thanks to an innovative multi-agency group. The Bringing Agencies Together (BAT) project supports patients in identifying activities and groups which can help them in the transition back into their local community and continue to promote their health and wellbeing. We formed the BAT group (patients in the unit chose the name) in early 2016 and it has been a very successful, multi agency partnership. 

The project is a collaboration between the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board staff (including Ablett based Occupational Therapists, Clinical Psychologist, and Home Treatment and ward staff), the North Wales mental health development agency Unllais, and Vale of Clwyd Mind, service user and carer representatives, as well as a range of community groups and charities from throughout Conwy and Denbighshire. The occupational therapists from the unit lead the group, but the service user & carer rep on the group played a big part in pulling it all together. 

The BAT group organises community groups to facilitate therapeutic sessions jointly with staff as part of the patient therapeutic programme. These include shared reading delivered by the library service, taster sessions run by the Women’s Centre in Rhyl, massage sessions run by the Red Cross, therapy dog sessions supported by the Therapy Dogs Nationwide and courses run by Llandrillo College to commence in May of this year.

The project group also held two open events in July and November of last year to support patients once discharged back into the community. The project welcomed Conwy and Denbighshire based groups, clubs and organisations to the unit to showcase activities available to service users and their carers out in the community.

More than 24 groups, including Conwy Community Wellbeing Team, Men’s sheds, and Denbighshire Walking For Health, attended the event to provide information on how to sign up to their activities.

The aim was to showcase community activities to service users, as well as their families and carers. It has been really helpful, enabling people to continue pursuits which support their health and wellbeing. The two events were true networking and celebration events and have connected many people in the unit to groups in the community. I frequently hear from third sector colleagues who attended the events that they have since linked with people when they go home! 

Feedback following the open events:

'Everyone was really friendly and approachable.'

'I think all the organisers and volunteers have done an excellent job today.'

'Excellent day, really inclusive and positive. In line with the Social Services & Wellbeing (Wales) Act, partnership working and integration,' - someone from the Community Mental Health Team.

'Wonderful event bringing services together. Promoting wellbeing.'

We were really keen that people were aware of the things available AND they could meet a friendly face from the organisation and understand what to expect if approaching the organisation when they got home.

In Powys Mandy Pearce works as a Reablement Worker with Mid Powys Mind to help support people in transition from hospital back to the community. Mandy also works very closely with the statutory provider of health services, in this case, Powys Teaching Health Board, and other third sector groups.  We would love to hear what you think about initiatives like these in the comments box below.

Engaging with Powys teaching Health Board to help shape future services

Last Thursday I attended an event in Llandrindod Wells where representatives from the Third Sector discussed the future planning of services and activities as part of Powys teaching Health Board’s three year Integrated Medium Term Plan. This plan will be used as the basis for future commissioning of the Third Sector by PtHB. The meeting was attended by several mental health charities, including Brecon & District Mind, Mid Powys Mind, Ponthafren Association and Hafal.

Carl Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations

Carl Cooper, Chief Executive Officer at Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations, introduced the day, explaining that the Third Sector is a significant partner in the process working with people in communities and organisations to help the health board plan and deliver “better health and care services” in Powys.

Carl said that “we are here today to be part of the process to shape and influence and be involved in the planning and delivery process.” He observed that there were several challenges to bring to the discussion, particularly in terms of resource allocation and budget planning in a climate where prevention and community resilience are key priorities.

Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive Officer, PtHB

Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive Officer of PtHB followed, to describe how the IMTP emerged following a decision by the Welsh Health Minister in 2009 to set out a collaborative approach. This was during a period of major legislative reforms at the time. The IMTP aims to bring together a number of other strategies already being worked on, including the Hearts & Minds Mental Health strategy, and those focussing on Older People and Carers. Carol assured those present that the IMTP does not just sit on a shelf, but act as a guide for the population as a whole, and for Welsh Government, to test PtHB against the commitments it made to deliver services.

The overall vision of the IMTP is: “truly integrated care, centred on the needs of the individual.” This year during a staff engagement exercise (“Chat to Change”) PtHB emphasised the need to work together with other organisations alongside other specific values and behaviours.

Carol also introduced us to the 4 Aims (out of a total of 6) which were to form the basis for further discussion at our tables:

• Improving health & wellbeing
• Ensuring the right access
• Involving the people of Powys
• Making every £ count

In speaking about mental health Carol said that it is “a huge area where we can make a difference to people’s lives. We have kept the priorities of mental health services but there is a long way to go and much more do to.” She explained that the management of mental health services had been brought back into Powys in the North of the county and also in Ystradgynlais. Services in the Mid and South are currently still managed by Aneurin Bevan Health Board, but will return to Powys later in the year. On another positive note Powys has received 500,000 Euros to introduce computerised Cognitive Behaviour Therapy a service which people can access in their own homes.

PtHB want to make sure that there is effective partnership working and to engage with people to achieve a good plan. Staff are already looking at working more closely with Powys County Council, and want to use continued integration as a way of achieving objectives in the future around all areas of health service provision. Carol explained that this is already happening in terms of mental health services.

Freda Lacey, Senior Officer Health & Social Care, PAVO

Freda Lacey and her team had planned the day down to the finest detail. Once the table discussions were complete (report to be circulated later) Carl opened up the floor and asked for key issues to be highlighted. These included (just a brief sample):

• The need for more services to be delivered locally.
• Sharing of resources – including people, skills, premises, training.
• Emphasis on the Third Sector not just being “polyfilla” to fill the gaps.
• The Third Sector are asked to do more and more for less and less.
• The vital importance of introducing and using more innovative technologies.
• The need to remember those that are digitally excluded for whatever reason.

Hayley Thomas, Interim Director of Planning & Performance, PtHB

Hayley Thomas, Interim Director of Planning & Performance at PtHB, commented that this was to be an ongoing process and that PtHB is absolutely committed to working with the Third Sector. An “everyday” version of the IMTP will be developed taking into account the feedback given at the event and shared via PAVO.

Trish Buchan, Third Sector Organisation rep, Powys teaching Health Board

Trish Buchan, previously of PAVO and now Third Sector Organisation rep on PtHB, added that one of her objectives is to raise the profile of the Third Sector at Board level, and reiterated the commitment of the health board to work closed with the Third Sector going forward.

All in all it was an extremely interesting morning. I was facilitating some of the discussions focussing on how to involve the people of Powys. Around the various tables it really felt that there was a passion and enthusiasm for more collaborative and innovative working – if time can be set aside by all to really consider the most effective way of achieving this. And whilst there was much healthy debate on one thing we all agreed – the Third Sector is absolutely not just “polyfilla.”