Celebrating Side by Side Cymru - mental health peer support in Wales

Artwork by Debbie Roberts engagevisually.co.uk

In March 2019 we lived in a very different world and I attended, in person, the launch of Mid & North Powys Mind’s latest project – Side by Side Cymru. MNPM was one of four local Mind groups in Wales, led by Mind Cymru, to provide this peer support project funded by the Welsh Government.

Here at PAVO we have followed the local project closely and with much interest, as we truly believe peer support to be crucial in the promotion of improved emotional wellbeing for people in Powys. I was, therefore, delighted to be able to attend the virtual celebration of the Mind Cymru project recently to find out more about how this approach had been received across Wales.

What is peer support?

“Peer support is about people using their own experiences to help others. It can happen in a group, on a 1:1 basis and also online as well but for this project we will focus on peer support that takes place face to face in a group situation. It’s about people taking a lead and taking control very much on an equal basis. So it’s a different model from more traditional health and wellbeing models. Through peer support we can feel valued, more connected to others, and more able to take control of our lives.” Mind Cymru, March 2019

“The connection to someone who is interested in similar things to you, or someone who has been through similar experiences, is a connection of equals and really invaluable. It is insightful and totally authentic.” Mid & North Powys Mind, March 2019

Sara Moseley – Chief Executive Officer, Mind Cymru

Peer support is needed more than ever because of what has been happening to us during this pandemic. There’s a huge amount of evidence now about the mental health impact of Covid. Many, many people have been behind closed doors, really feeling low, anxious and lonely. Peer support is about the power of unlocking that through the power of our own experience, kindness and compassion. In its simplest form it’s about using our own expertise and knowledge to support each other emotionally, practically and realise that there are positive, hopeful ways through mental health difficulties.

Covid has also put some of our networks and communities under considerable strain. Younger people in particular are feeling very isolated – being cut off from usual networks has a real detrimental effect on your mental health. As well as the human stories from over the past 3 years of the project we are now in a place to come out of the pandemic stronger than we were before. We have some very practical things that we have to say to decision makers about how we build back stronger and in a way very rooted in communities, and empowering to us as individuals.

Liam Pywell – Senior Peer Support Officer, Mind

Peer support based in the community and led by people with lived experience of mental health issues can be life-changing, and that’s why we believe it should be available to people across Wales.

The project worked with 318 peer support leaders across Wales who in turn supported 3800 people in their communities. We provided over £50,000 in grants to over 221 organisations and groups. We delivered over 100 activities, including training, networking and shared learning.

The hubs facilitated physical and virtual spaces to bring people together to connect, share learning and access some much-needed resources. We wanted the peer leaders to feel more confident, knowledgeable and able to provide peer support to their community and to build on the resources such as our peer support toolkit.

Mind Cymru’s independent evaluator – MEL Research - concluded in their final report that the Side by Side Cymru hub model is an effective way to supportive community based organisations and peer leaders, and that there is a real need for these types of programmes.

The local hub offer centred around three things:

1. Training & shared learning.
2. Funding.
3. Networking opportunities.

Through the evaluation the value of Side by Side Cymru became clear: peer leaders increased their understanding of peer support and the value it provides, and their confidence to deliver improved peer support. The research tells us that peer support improves our sense of wellbeing, increases our sense of hope, and helps us to become more empowered to make decisions and take action.

We also found that peer support can reduce health care costs as people who use less mental health services are often involved in peer support. But peer support is not free – we do need financial resource to support those community groups. Finally, a range of peer support options should be available to support people from all different backgrounds and makes peer support available to all.

Lorna Jones – Peer Support Hub Worker, Mid & North Powys Mind

In a short video Lorna (bottom centre) was joined by one of her volunteers – Lynda (top right), and Bethanie (top left) a peer support leader. Bethanie attended a course with Mind after experiencing post-natal depression and went on to lead a peer support group for parents of children with additional needs. The Side by Side training helped her to be professional, and to learn about specific areas such as safeguarding. She found the toolkit really helpful to refer to for guidance at any time.

Bethanie also said that the training was particularly useful as she made connections with people who could also help her. “It was like peer support for a peer support leader.” We were working with young children but others were in peer support groups for older people who were lonely and vulnerable. We could mix together and create further networks too.

It has also been a lifeline for Bethanie’s own mental health. “It’s something to look forward to, even now with Covid we can still communicate online and it helps us feel less isolated.” The funding paid for the cost of venues.

Lynda helped Lorna massively with the training. She recalled how members of her own family had been dealt with on a very clinical basis in the past, so she felt privileged to be involved with the project which supported people at a community level. “It was great to see the range of people that attended the training – from young Mums, through the age ranges, and a lot of men including a male voice choir.” Lynda realised that they took what they had learnt to all spheres of their life, not just the areas they were representing.

Lorna said that when she read the evaluation report the one thing that really hit her was the huge area that the project had covered in Powys – right from Machynlleth in the north west to the Herefordshire border in the south-east of the county. They worked with 75 groups in total.

“People have said they would be lost without these groups to go to. Our inspiring peer support leaders gave up their time to hold these groups for no other reward other than helping others. They are the unsung heroes in our communities across Britain.”

Bethanie: “Side by Side grew me and my group. It was like the seed we needed.”

Panel discussion

Julian John, CEO of Cwm Taf Mind, chaired the panel discussion with Fateha Ahmed of EYST (Ethnic Minorities & Youth Support team Wales), Zoe King of Diverse Cymru and William Evans – the Young People’s Participation Lead at Mind Cymru. There is only space for very brief sound bites here but they give a flavour of the conversation.

Q1: What does an excellent peer support project look like (and how do you know)?

“It would include a diverse group of people with lived experience who are able to support each other and have empathy. You will see the improved progress in young people if the project is successful.” Fateha Ahmed

“Empathy has to be at the heart of a good peer support project, also coproduction. It’s all about lived experience and shared experience. To know how we did we can consider the distance travelled – how people are before joining the group and how they are since. Have they achieved life goals in certain areas?” Zoe King

“It might look different to different people from different communities / ages. The type of resources and training required will be dependent on someone’s age. It needs to be flexible and accessible, safe and rewarding for a younger person.” William Evans

Q2: What can traditional mental health services learn from community led peer support?

“Lived experience needs to be at the heart of the services they deliver.” Zoe King

“Peer support has a strong bond of friendship. A counselling service may last for 6 – 8 weeks only but friendship may last life long.” Fateha Ahmed

“Traditional mental health experiences are often too rigid and don’t treat people as individuals – young people want the emphasis to be on meaningful connections and a lot less on checklists and criteria.” William Evans

Q3: What roles do organisations like ours have in developing peer support services for the future?

“Many children and young people are fairly creative and innovative in their use of social media to create their own peer support networks. Organisations need to allow them support and resources to enable them to do that safely.” William Evans

“Organisations could connect grassroots’ groups to wider networks with similar aims and goals. Larger organisations could communicate opportunities as well and also provide training.” Zoe King

“EYST has been inviting our volunteers to share their lived experience – how they actually dealt with their anxiety and depression. The young people always say they learn better hearing other people’s stories.” Fateha Ahmed

Q4: How do we connect to the networks of community groups across Wales?

“Doing with and not for. Going into those communities and engaging with people in coproduction and finding out what solutions they have.” William Evans

“We have a community infrastructure (with village halls / groups etc) we also have a County Voluntary Council infrastructure that is supporting those groups across Wales. Is there something we need to do with our CVC partners in reaching community groups?” Julian John

“Yes, absolutely. We work with diverse groups to gain those lived experiences that we then feed back into consultations. CVCs are already well placed to do a lot of this networking.” Zoe King

“We need to find key individuals who are trusted in the community and work with them to provide the best possible service for our young people.” Fateha Ahmed

Angie Darlington, West Wales Action for Mental Health, added – “it is broader than CVCs, mental health development agencies are available across Wales to share out our peer support experiences and reach out into the communities.”

Sarah Moseley said at the end of the session: “It has been a really moving and inspirational afternoon. We want to use this as a spark to think how we sustain, build, grow and strengthen (the peer support approach). One of the most powerful things I have learnt is that there are moments in your life, or things that happen in your life, that make you uniquely ready to connect, share and give support.”

Side by Side resources

Side by Side toolkit and further information

For further information about the Side by Side Cymru Peer Support project email peersupport@mind.org.uk

You can also watch a video about the Side by Side Cymru Peer Support project.

Reading your way to recovery

 

By guest author Janet Mulready
Health & Well-being Librarian, Powys

My work as a Branch Librarian in the early 1980s confirmed my philosophy that libraries can and should be central in offering support to the more vulnerable members of our communities. Libraries offer a safe and welcoming environment, and to paraphrase the author Matt Haig – whose books often reflect his own experiences of dealing with mental health issues – where else can you spend time where you are welcomed as an individual, with no mention of the contents of your wallet?

Janet Mulready, Health & Well-being Librarian in Powys

After more than two decades as a primary teacher, I was delighted to return to my library roots and I was very excited to be seconded recently as Health and Well-being Librarian for Powys. The role is funded thanks to the Welsh Government's Integrated Care Fund, through the Age Well Partnership in Powys; it is part of the project which is focused on scoping and development of community hubs, for these will be a source of early interventions to improve access to health-related information and advice. ​Being appointed to such a stimulating job in my 60s certainly shows that you can age well in Powys!

My job is excitingly diverse and has already involved building strong working relationships with other organisations seeking to improve well-being within the community. The provision of services to people living with dementia and their carers is important to Powys Libraries, and the development and dissemination of resources to support this is a significant part of my role. I am currently working closely with museum staff and library colleagues to devise a system of lending memory boxes and reminiscence hampers to care homes. We also supply resources from the dementia charity Playlist for Life via the collection service at branches to those who request them.

Another important role is to promote the Reading Well scheme (Darllen yn Well). The Reading Agency and Welsh Government have provided Reading Well resources in both Welsh and English, to support living with dementia, adult mental health and children’s mental health. All titles are recommended by health professionals and people with experience of the conditions covered.

I work with a colleague in disseminating this important service, which is linked to public libraries’ ever-expanding work around community health and well-being. The books can be referred via a Book Prescription, and are also available for self-referral via the Powys library catalogue, for collection from the local branch; some are also available as e-books or audio books. The system supports a self-management model, to encourage patients to take an active role in the decisions made around their health and well-being.

The Reading Well for mental health collection provides general information on mental health and well-being, and offers condition-specific titles, support for those difficult experiences which affect us all, such as bereavement and loss, and personal stories. To ensure the collection is accessible to a wide range of audiences, it includes a range of different formats and reading levels. Topics include therapies and approaches, common feelings and experiences, self-help books to support mental health and personal stories. The scheme supports living well and self-care and self-management models. As a community intervention, it also allows for public services to work together to support the health and well-being of their communities.

As well as signposting to sources of professional help and support, it recommends other well-being activities such as reading groups and volunteering opportunities. And of course, libraries are a vital source for the comfort of fiction. To quote Matt Haig again, “There is something about absorbing yourself in a story that can make you feel comforted. One thing about depression is that it is plotless, there is no shape. Stories have shape – and books became my antidepressants.”

A further remit I have is to help library staff to become confident with services that are available in Powys to support residents, so I prepare and disseminate regular ”How to Help with …” resources. The pandemic has meant that part of my work focus is working with colleagues to develop digital access to supportive services. We have initiated an “Ask a Librarian” enquiry service via the website and the loan of blood pressure monitors; many people are concerned about the physical health effects of lockdown and a more sedentary lifestyle due to home working, yet are understandably reluctant to “bother” a health professional, so they can borrow a blood monitor for free and have it delivered to their local branch for them to collect. As lockdown eases, we are looking to provide rooms in selected branches for individuals to have privacy for online medical consultations.

The importance of digital services and new means of communicating has become important for all of us, so my role also involves supporting colleagues in providing health and well-being information and services digitally. A large number of people are experiencing anxiety due to the restrictions on social interaction, and so we are working on producing well-being videos and resources such as adult literature hours, to play a part in reducing isolation.

A typical working day for me at the moment can involve giving a zoom talk on the Reading Well Scheme, applying for funding for well-being projects, making a video, and writing a Help sheet. Every day brings something new and involves me collaborating with some inspiring, committed people. I have a wonderful job and I am very grateful to have the opportunity, in a small way, to make a positive difference to people!

Many thanks to Janet for telling us about her new role as Health & Well-being Librarian for Powys. 

Find out more about the Powys library services on the English & Welsh websites below:

Powys Libraries' Services

Llyfrygelloedd Powys

If you have any queries then please drop them in the comments section below. Alternatively you can contact Janet directly by emailing: janet.mulready@powys.gov.uk or ringing: 01639 845353.

Support for new mums in lockdown – Ystradgynlais Mind

Credit: u_njsabyvh

“There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one.” 

Mums Matter, Ystradgynlais Mind

It’s very hard to imagine what it must be like to become a new mum during a pandemic. Some of the words that come instantly to mind – isolating, lonely, anxiety-inducing, and exhausting as well as joyful and exciting. Then there is the grief of not being able to share those all-important first milestones of a baby’s development with close family and friends.

The difficulties of coping with what could anyway be a very difficult time in a woman’s life have, over the past twelve months, been magnified many times over, with very real implications for her wellbeing and mental health. Support is more important than ever.

One of the clients of the Ystradgynlais Mind Mums Matter courses tells us what it has been like for her.

How are you? Just you, not ‘how are you and baby?’ Just you. As a mother, this is something I often forget about. I am separate from my baby, even if a lot of the time I don’t feel that way. We are programmed to be our baby’s everything, and this is not a bad thing. 

I have loved becoming a mother, my son is now 14 months old and it’s been the best, hardest, happiest, most challenging, inspiring, demanding, amazing and emotional 14 months of my life. There are days when I think I feel every emotion possible and other days where I have no idea what I have felt or even what I have done. Some days I feel like I’ve ‘won’ at being Mami to my son and two dogs, at being wife, at being homemaker and all the other personas that I am. Whereas other days I feel like I have failed to be good at anything. 

Learning to accept that some days I feel like I have succeeded, and other days I haven’t, has been hard, and I sometimes still struggle with feeling like I’ve failed. The saying ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ is an important message to remember at the moment.

Credit: miapowterr

Lockdown is hard, it’s hard for everyone. We all miss our extended family and our friends. Having a baby, toddler or small child during lockdown brings its own challenges, not only for baby but for us as parents too. When you add a mental health issue into the mix things are even more challenging. 

I have bipolar, which has its challenges on ‘normal’ days. Lockdown has been an emotional roller-coaster for me. Some days I feel like I’m only just surviving, that I’m going to break any minute. At times I feel like sitting in a corner and crying. I feel like I’m not giving my son what he needs, that I’m a bad mother. Having a little time, even if it’s only five minutes, for self-care in whatever form that takes makes these days a little easier to get through. Often I feel guilty about having a hot cup of tea (why do babies know when you have just made a cuppa?), a bath, 10 minutes sat on the sofa, a nap, or even just going for a wee by myself (I’m hoping it’s not just me that doesn’t get to do that very often!). I know I shouldn’t feel guilty and it’s important to take these moments.

My son has congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) which means we see several different health professionals. Lockdown has meant that appointments have been cancelled and others we have managed to have via phone call and video call. Although this is a solution, it is not the same as actually seeing a professional. For example, a video call with a physiotherapist was difficult - it was hard for her to assess my son and it was difficult for her to then advise and show me what I need to do at home to help his development.

Jodie and Sophie
Mums Matter facilitators at Ystradgynlais Mind

Being stuck in the house has also been difficult for me. Since having my son I have enjoyed going places more than I used to. I enjoy taking him places where he enjoys, learns, explores and gets to experience new things. I think my son is finding it hard to be in the same four walls, with the same people and same toys all the time. It’s hard to know how to help him overcome this. Coping with being stuck in the house all the time is the main thing I struggle with. I’ve been making the most of the sunshine and spending time in the garden, and I almost enjoy shopping as I get to leave the house! I video call with my Mum most days and have weekly contact with a mental health support group for parents, Mums Matters. Both of which help to get me through each week.

I miss Mami (Mammy/Mummy/Mama) conversations. Conversations where you can say, ‘my little one has started doing/not doing this or that’, and someone says back to you, ‘yeah we went through that stage’, or even, ‘that’s not something we have had to deal with’. I miss conversations that revolve round your small human that you care for and try to understand, conversations where you throw around ideas and suggestions that may help or where everyone is as baffled as you are about what may or may not work to help. I also miss having non-baby related conversations with these same people.

Being part of the Mums Matter course online has helped as it gives me that support. It has helped me to accept that I can’t be perfect. It’s also really helped me to remember that self-care is important and that I need to look after myself to be able to look after my son. I’ve learned a great phrase that I try to remember when I am feeling overwhelmed and there’s no time for me: ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’. It’s so true, and although it often feels impossible right now, I have to remember to take care of my own mental health, to take care of my son.

The Mums Matter course at Ystradgynlais Mind is currently available virtually via Zoom. It is for mums who have babies / children from birth to 4 years and struggling with their mental health, loneliness, feeling anxious or struggling with being a mum. The 7 sessions over 7 weeks provide mums with a collection of tools and reminders to nurture themselves and keep well. Weekly peer support through Zoom is also available.

For further information ring Jodie on 07946 664 227, email counselling@minditv.org.uk or message the Ystradgynlais Mind Mums Matter Facebook page, Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm.

Prioritising play to promote children’s well-being

by guest authors

Cathy Atkinson & Marianne Mannello

The latest Coronavirus and Me survey undertaken by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales shows a decrease in the numbers of children reporting having spent more time playing. Children aged 7 to 11 in Wales played less in January 2021, compared to May 2020 according to results from a Wales wide survey. Children aged 12 to 18 are also relaxing less compared to May 2020.

Play Wales renew our calls to put play at the heart of supporting children as part of coronavirus recovery, particularly as some return to school. We emphasise a focus on well-being, and a supportive return. There must be dedicated time for children of all ages to play and relax together. This is not a case of choosing between providing for education catch-up or playing – playing offers children the opportunity to keep well and happy. When children are well and happy, they are better equipped to learn and connect.

Here we share a blog written by Cathy Atkinson, a Senior Lecturer in Education and Child Psychology at The University of Manchester, and Marianne Mannello, Play Wales’ Assistant Director. The blog was originally published by Policy@Manchester (The University of Manchester) as part of Mental Health Week.

Credit: Scott Webb

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 31 states children have the right to access play, rest and leisure. With the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, play opportunities are vital to helping children make sense of their experiences, problem-solve, reconnect with their peers, and promote their own wellbeing. In this blog, Cathy Atkinson, Senior Lecturer in Educational and Child Psychology at The University of Manchester, and Marianne Mannello, Assistant Director of Play Wales, consider the important role of children’s play during lockdown in promoting positive mental health, and discuss the ways schools can promote play when they reopen.

• When schools reopen, the focus should be on play and mental health, rather than ‘curriculum catch-up’.
• A blurred approach to learning and play is needed instead, utilising open spaces to maintain physical distancing.
• Guidance from the Departments for Education, based on recent research, would help teachers plan the school day more effectively.
  
  

Why play is important to children’s wellbeing

Last year, before the current lockdown situation, researchers at The University of Manchester, alongside specialist partners, developed a position statement for the British Psychological Society highlighting the importance of play in helping children deal with uncertainty and challenge, regulate emotions and experience fun, enjoyment and freedom. In an accompanying video, children explained why they valued play and how important it was to them.

Play can help promote wellbeing in terms of helping children to:

• Make sense of what has happened to them;
• deal with emotional upset and regain control of their lives;
• experience normality and pleasure during times of upheaval, loss, isolation and trauma;
• foster resilience through promoting emotional regulation, creativity, relationships, problem-solving and learning.

Credit: Islander Images

Play and wellbeing during lockdown

Play has not stopped for lockdown and is as important as ever, as it is children’s way of supporting their own health and wellbeing. Children will find opportunities for play, even in the most adverse of circumstances and parents can support this through:

• Time – enabling children to play freely and valuing play;
• space – creating opportunities for play using everyday objects, and recognising that play can sometimes be noisy and boisterous;
• permission – acknowledging that it is okay for older children to play, for children to play alone, and for children to decide how they want to play.

However, children’s opportunities for play will be affected by their family’s circumstances. For example, in situations where parents are expected to work, where there is limited indoor or outdoor space, or stress from loved ones being distant or unwell, opportunities might be compromised.

Transition back to school

There have been recent calls by leading academics for schools to prioritise play when they reopen. This may be particularly important for children who have experienced difficult circumstances during lockdown, such as parental separation, loss, grief or trauma.

To highlight the importance of play, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child published General Comment 17, highlighting how play provides a means by which children can externalise difficult, unsettling or traumatic life experiences and offer specific guidance to schools as to how this might be achieved.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, concerns about diminished opportunities for play, especially for vulnerable groups such as children with special educational needs and disabilities, and children living in poverty, had already been highlighted because curriculum pressures have led to reduced opportunities for play in schools.

Children cannot learn effectively when they are stressed or overwhelmed. Studies of brain development indicate that children who have experienced trauma find it difficult to maintain attention, remember things, manage behaviour and regulate emotions, and can have mental health issues in adolescence and adulthood. There is continued uncertainty about exactly when children will return to school and this may well vary across the different countries and regions of the United Kingdom. However, we would ask that when schools do reopen, that it is recognised that this is not the time to play ‘curriculum catch-up’. Children need time to readjust to school life and reconnect with teachers and peers, rather than worrying about learning.

How schools can support wellbeing through promoting play

The challenge now for the Government and devolved nations is to balance reopening schools and keeping children, parents and teachers safe, whilst maintaining the benefits of play to wellbeing. In light of guidance from the Office for National Statistics, that children are just as likely to catch the virus, any planned return would need to be handled extremely carefully. But extreme physical distancing measures such as those pictured in France last year will inevitably do more harm than good to already vulnerable children.

Credit: Scott Webb

We suggest that the Departments for Education across the UK could produce short-term guidance for schools to help them support children’s wellbeing and physical safety. This guidance could include UN advice, as noted in General Comment 17, in the following four areas to promote children’s right to play.

1. Physical environment of settings – The playground environment can be adapted to enable safe, creative play, and make the school more play-friendly. Schools can use fun equipment and/or visual referencing to promote physical distancing. Where feasible, could the playground be available for the whole day to enable extended outdoor access for more children, or could the school field or forest school site be better utilised?
2. Structure of the day – The guidance could support schools to find ways to develop a more responsive and flexible structure to allow teachers to adapt to the needs of their pupils and provide more time and opportunity for outdoor play and learning.
3. Curriculum demands – Given what we know about the impact of trauma and upheaval on learning, we would recommend that curriculum demands on children and teachers be reduced, to allow opportunities for play, emotional growth and social connection. Child-led learning experiences which facilitate free play could ensure no child gets left behind. As cultural and arts activities have been restricted during lockdown, how can these be reintroduced via school curricula?
4. Educational pedagogy – The UN describes the importance of learning environments being active and participatory. Schools can make playful activities central to learning, for older children as well as for those in the early years. Recent research from The University of Manchester found that where the boundaries between schoolwork and play were more ‘blurred’, children felt a greater sense of control over their own learning experience.

Playing is the most natural and enjoyable way for children to keep well and be happy. It is their way of supporting their own health and wellbeing. It is vital that efforts to improve wellbeing in schools should focus on providing sufficient time and space for play.

The UN states that, for children, play “can restore a sense of identity, help them make meaning of what has happened to them, and enable them experience fun and enjoyment.” Recognising the importance of play at this point in time could be an enormous step forward, in terms of protecting the mental health and wellbeing of our children, and of future generations.

Top five mental health podcasts (Wales) 2021

 

Over the last few months of lockdown here in Powys in Mid Wales I’ve listened in to a number of great podcasts – both at home and at work. I don’t have a TV – there was no reception where I live when we moved in and we learnt to love living without it. But I still need to get my fix of entertainment and information.

Most of the time I’m a dedicated BBC Radio 4 listener – yes, an Archers fan! But then I started looking further afield… I found that podcasts are flourishing in these times. So, whilst we await more details of the roadmap out of lockdown it seems the ideal time to share some top mental health podcasts with a wider audience.

I particularly enjoy listening to podcasts at home during these dark winter evenings, perhaps when I’m doing exercises or the washing up. Or even just stretched out full-length on the sofa with the cat!

Tune in and see what you think – this is just a small selection of some great podcasts out there currently on the theme of mental health, wellbeing and the workings of the mind generally…

We can get through this – mental health & wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic

Tan y Maen is a community wellbeing centre based in Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, North Wales. They offer support and resources to individuals, families, friends, carers and volunteers on any aspect of mental health and wellbeing all over North Wales.

During more normal times they offer all kinds of services, including individual and peer support, group support, Walking for Wellbeing, a variety of talking therapies and support for OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and addiction.

Since the start of the pandemic they have, like so many organisations, switched their support sessions online. And over the last few months they have also started a very popular podcast, which is now listened to far further afield than North Wales, with fans in the USA and Europe. The hosts are Eileen and Phil Griffiths – “Phil is the spotlight, he is the Chief Officer of Tan y Maen Community Wellbeing Centre.” The podcast features special guests from a range of professionals involved in supporting people.

“Our podcast is a bit of fun really, with a wellbeing theme around getting through the current issues with Covid and lockdown. It is aimed at providing a little interest and listening diversion, and much as we would in the wellbeing groups we usually run in South Gwynedd the content is informal, and puts across the message of wellbeing and improvement in mental health in an indirect way, using the personal experience of the hosts and the guests.” Link to podcast.

The Recovery Podcast – Hafal

Hafal is a member-led mental health charity based in Wales supporting people with mental health problems, particularly those who are really struggling with serious issues.

The Hafal podcast is brand new. In the first episode you can joins Hafal’s EIP (Early Intervention in Psychosis) staff Aaron Jenkins, David Jones and Aimee Williams discussing a range of topics on young people's mental health to mark Children's Mental Health Week and Time to Talk Day 2021. David also catches up with Hafal's Young People's Ambassador and Ospreys rugby player Lloyd Ash. Link to podcast.

Mental Health Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation podcast brings a range of mental health topics, real life stories, expert comments and mental health tips to listeners. Episodes have covered men talking about mental health, mental health and the economy, improving the lives of young parents and their children, suicide prevention, nutrition and mental health, and how a damaging work environment can affect mental health.

Bethan Buswell is both producer and host. She has her own lived experience of mental health problems and with this podcast she and the Mental Health Foundation want to raise awareness, get people talking and provide support and hope. Link to podcast.

Mad in America – Rethinking Mental Health

The Mad in America podcast is a weekly discussion that searches for the truth about psychiatric prescription drugs and mental health care worldwide.

There is a sister organisation called Mad in the UK with a mission to: “to serve as a catalyst for fundamentally re-thinking theory and practice in the field of mental health in the UK, and promoting positive change”.

Subjects which have been covered on the podcast in recent months include: Psychiatric drug withdrawal: setting the scene, Rethinking suicide prevention, Can we move towards Mindful medicine? and I found my lion’s roar: combining peer support & Open Dialogue. The back catalogue of episodes is immense – well worth checking out for anyone interested in finding out more about an alternative approach to supporting people in mental health distress. Link to podcast.

Mental – The Podcast to Destigmatise Mental Health

This podcast is brought to us by Bobby Temps and aims to break down mental health stigma and discrimination. Bobby speaks about how mental health distress can potentially affect anyone, so 4 in 4 not 1 in 4.

Each week Bobby is joined by a special guest. The podcast is a safe space to hear honest and insightful mental health interviews in the hope listeners will feel more empowered to continue the conversation, and debate the topics with others.

This podcast won The People’s Choice at the Podcast Awards in 2020. A new episode is published every Thursday, and as of today there are 179 episodes to choose from! Hours of really interesting listening covering topics from Stillness Meditation, to Trauma & Self Care, to Gender & Mental Health and so many more in between. Link to podcast.

We hope you enjoy dipping in and listening to some of these great podcasts. If you know any great mental health / wellbeing podcasts you would like to recommend, then we love to hear from you in the comments’ section below.

Happy listening!

Powys Dementia Network – a dementia diagnosis

The latest Powys Dementia Network event took place in late January 2021. As is the norm these days it was held online; the second time for this network due to the Covid pandemic. It was another great success, attracting a huge variety of organisations and individuals from across the county. These included people living with dementia and those caring for them, colleagues from Dementia Matters in Powys, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, Powys Teaching Health Board and Dyfed Powys Police to name just a few.

The theme this time was “Diagnosing Dementia.” The event was organised by our colleague, Sue Newham, the Engagement Officer in our Health & Wellbeing team, in partnership with Dementia Matters in Powys. They worked with other voluntary and statutory sector colleagues to bring some excellent information and discussion around the theme of dementia diagnosis to the afternoon.

As always we will try to capture some of the spirit and information from the event here, but if you would like to find out more and / or attend future events then please get in touch.

The previous online event, which took place in August last year, was also captured for the blog in Powys Dementia Network – first online event.

Supporting people to attend a Zoom network meeting for the first time

We were particularly pleased to welcome Shirley Humphries (pictured above), as she couldn’t attend the first online event due to technical issues on the day. Shirley lives in North Powys, is nearly 87, and has previously spoken about her experience of assessment for dementia at a Powys Dementia Network face-to-face event. However, this was her first online experience of the network, and we decided to ask how it went for her this time.

Shirley told us that her daughter, Sue, had arranged for her to have a different tablet which was better suited to using the Zoom app. The tablet was donated by a member of staff at PAVO, after she heard of Shirley’s Zoom issues!

“When it comes to using Zoom, I’m not that way inclined,” Shirley said, however, with support from her daughter, she was able to follow the meeting link on the tablet, join and take part in the Dementia Network event. Shirley is also enjoying attending the ‘Wiggle with a Giggle’ sessions on Zoom which are run by Dementia Matters in Powys – and the more Zoom events she attends the easier it gets to use the technology. “It’s all about learning what to do, for example sticking your hand up if you want to speak.”

Here are just a few of the key points raised in the different discussions that were held in the various Zoom break-out rooms. If you would like the full notes please contact Sue Newham.

Q & A sessions with Memory Clinic staff across Powys

These sessions allowed people to find out more about the dementia diagnosis pathway in Powys. Heather Wenban, the Dementia Lead for PTHB, is working to improve dementia care across Powys, and spoke about the dementia steering group which works to implement the Dementia Action Plan in Powys. (You can read the Dementia Action Plan for Wales). Powys seems to be quite proactive compared to other areas.

Heather added: “I would like to see one dementia service where people can access a diagnosis. Currently the referral has to come through the GP to rule out physical reasons for someone’s symptoms. Trying to put the right pathways in place is difficult because people are all different. It can be the person themselves that needs support, or people caring for them.”

Janet Davies is the Dementia Advisor for North Powys. She works with patients and families to help them get the support they want. She said: “The person might go to the GP with concerns. The GP will give an initial test and then make a referral to the memory diagnostic clinic, if it reaches a certain level. Whilst they are waiting, they will go for a scan, blood test and ECG (electrocardiogram). The consultant reviews it all and makes a diagnosis. The consultant also assesses whether the patient or family needs support and may refer to the Dementia Advisor.”

Heather Wenban and Kerry Phelps (Alzheimer’s Society Cymru) agreed to work together to create a booklet and information pack around the dementia diagnosis journey in Powys.

Shirley listens to Inspector Brian Jones at the Powys Dementia Network event - 3rd row, 3rd from the left

How can the diagnosis process be improved?

• In general, it was felt that people still don’t know enough about dementia and so there is a stigma around it. Dementia is not just about memory loss. Sometimes people are not being diagnosed with dementia because of mental health and other issues masking the problem.
• It is important to recognise that no two patients are the same, and a one size fits all approach just doesn’t work. However, there does need to be a seamless process of diagnosis, and the process needs to be explained to people so that they know what is going to happen and what to expect at each stage.
• People should be made aware that people are entitled to have an advocate supporting them at appointments, either a family member, friend or professional advocate.
• More support is needed during and after diagnosis. It would be good to have an information pack or wellbeing pack that supports the person with their dementia journey.
• Support workers should be available who can provide tailored support. Follow-up is extremely important. People need aftercare and the opportunity to ask questions.
• People need to be able to talk to someone who has been through it. People living with dementia connect more with other people who are living with dementia. Support groups are very important.

What stops people going to their doctor when they first notice symptoms of memory loss?

• Personal fears and attitudes, including fear of the unknown, of change, of perhaps moving to a care home, or of changes to relationships / friendships. Also the stigma relating to dementia can be a barrier.
• People may be in denial or scared that it is something other than dementia.
• Families may be worried about mentioning to their parents / relatives that they need to seek help, or to other family members that they have concerns about that person.
• Fear of losing independence, such as losing their driving licence in an isolated rural area.
• A lack of awareness that it is possible to live well at home with dementia.
• Access to GPs is perceived as being difficult, especially at this time, and the quality of the relationship with the GP may not be good.
• People may have differing viewpoints about dementia to the professional care service and may wish for a non-medicalised approach.

How can we make it easier for people?

• Raise awareness with a collaborative approach that involves statutory bodies, private sector, third sector and communities to provide support, remove stigma and raise awareness. We need to show that it’s alright to talk about memory loss and dementia.
• People need to be aware that memory problems may be associated with other conditions other than dementia. Putting off going to the GP can mean you don’t receive help with other illnesses.
• A wider campaign showing people in the early stages of dementia to alter people’s perception of what dementia is. Individuals living with dementia telling their story is one of the most powerful ways of reducing stigma around dementia. People can and do live well with dementia.
• Encourage and develop Dementia Friendly Communities.
• Provide information about where to seek help, diagnosis, and support through a wide variety of channels.
• A single point of contact would be good.
• Develop an online self-assessment checklist that people can run through which can tell them if they should seek further help.
• Zoom meetings / telephone conversations can be quicker for getting in contact with people because there is less travelling. With Zoom meetings, more people are able to attend. This option is not possible for everyone, however.
• Increase awareness of the Herbert Protocol to inform emergency services.

All in all this Powys Dementia Network event was an excellent afternoon of information sharing and discussions, and Shirley was able to take part throughout.

Heather Wenban added: “The information that you’ve gathered today, will feed into the next consultation for the Dementia Action Plan which is due to finish in 2022.”

The next Powys Dementia Network event is planned for Thursday 15th July, 2pm - 4pm. Sign up for Dementia Network emails and find out about future events by contacting Sue Newham, Engagement Officer at PAVO, by emailing sue.newham@pavo.org.uk or ringing 07739 984 233.

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