Warm Spaces for Wellbeing

The Hanging Gardens, Llanidloes

Is getting cold getting you down this Winter?

Powys County Council has created a directory of Warm Spaces. It is made up of libraries, community centres, churches and other places, including mental health charities, that are opening their doors to anyone who needs them. This network of Warm Spaces offers support to anyone struggling with the cost of living this winter. Each Warm Space has its own opening hours and facilities. The one thing each has in common - a warm big welcome to all!

We asked some of the people generously sharing their Warm Space with their community to tell us more about how it’s working in their area, and a few PAVO colleagues gave feedback from their visits also.

CARAD - Community Arts Rhayader & District

At CARAD in Rhayader, we decided to run a weekly warm spaces activity day to support those who needed to cut down on their energy costs and risked being in a cold house over winter. We employ a facilitator, funded by Comic Relief, and have a volunteer present so that we can welcome people, have a chat, make a them a cuppa and biscuits or toast and guide activities. We have general activities in the morning and a more organised free workshop in the afternoon. This latter preferably needs booking as we need to make sure we
have enough materials to cover those who come. We chose a day when the library was closed and have also produced a flyer about other warm spaces in Rhayader.

Simply coming down to somewhere with nothing to do isn’t an option as, if you can’t put the heating on, you may not be feeling too good about life. Sitting in a warm room but feeling in the way, lonely or depressed won’t improve that.

Being welcomed to an organised activity makes all the difference. Because any visitor is welcome, you are not signalled out as different for attending. For that reason, we stress the activities rather than the warmth!

We really didn’t know what to expect but find that many of those who come through the doors are facing challenges. These might be around caring, health or other circumstances. There have been many positive benefits. Simply having some company has made a big difference to some, enjoying new activities has very obviously impacted others with a lot of laughter coming from the space and repeat visits. The benefits of those activities - lowering stress, having time out, and feeling accepted and safe (and warm) are also really positive for staff to see.

Catherine Allan, Chair of Trustees, CARAD

Ceri Williams, PAVO Health Promotion Facilitator 

& (inset) Melanie Taylor of Llanidloes Library

Llanidloes Library

Ceri Williams, our new Health Promotion Facilitator (North Powys) at PAVO visited the Warm Space at Llanidloes Library on 11 January. She spoke to Melanie Taylor who has worked there for about 7 years. The library staff welcome anyone who wants to use the Warm Space.

The library is located in the former town museum at the side of the Town Hall. There is a children's area and computers are available to use free of charge. Melanie said "this space is nothing new, we have been offering a warm environment for many years. We welcome new users to the library."

Hanging Gardens, Llanidloes

The following week Ceri visited the Hanging Gardens in Llanidloes (photo at top of post):

I walked in to laughter and went to talk to three adults playing board games. They told me: "It’s a fantastic environment - such a welcoming space. All the crafts and plants growing. It's what we had before everyone owned everything. Kevin and Fran (of The Wilderness Trust) had a vision and worked 12 hours a day to make it happen."

Local childminder Sammy shares an allotment plot with other childminders which enables them to feed their charges fresh veg (funded by the Co-op). She attends the Thursday singing sessions with her young charges.

Louise Evans, who works there, mentioned the Art therapy group and the Celf Able group which is a mobile art group that comes once a month.

All the activities are on the Hanging Gardens website.

Knighton & District Community Centre

At The KDCC Hub we have two sessions per week which are dedicated to offering ‘Warm Spaces & more’. The sessions are available on Tuesday 10 - 1pm & Thursday 10 - 2pm, both have access to the Cafe, our Advice from the Hub service, volunteer support, television, radio and reading material.

On a Tuesday the Cafe offers a hot drink and a piece of homemade cake at £1; on Thursday we offer hot drinks from 10 - 12pm free of charge, and from 12pm we have soup, sandwiches and homemade cake which are all free.

At the Tuesday Warm Space Cafe we also have with us staff from other organisations, such as POBL, Powys Housing and an Energy Efficient Advisor funded through Citizens Advice. The third Tuesday of the month RNID Hear to Help hold their hearing aid repair clinic at the centre 10 - 12pm (no appointment needed) and on the 4th Tuesday Credu's Leanne has a carers' support coffee morning in the Cafe.

Thursdays we welcome Hayley Lloyd, our PAVO Community Connector, to the building. Hayley has a drop-in from 10 - 12.30pm, we also have District Nurses in the Reynolds Room offering a Leg Clinic 9.30 – 12pm.

Alongside all the Community Centre Hub has to offer customers also have access to the Library and our new Digital Hub project. The Library is open on Tuesdays from 10.30 - 1pm and 2 - 5pm; Thursdays 10.30 – 1pm; 2 - 6pm. Booking is essential for the Digital Hub which is open on Tuesdays 9 - 5pm & Thursdays 1 - 6pm.

A recent customer survey highlighted that our customers very much enjoy coming to both of our Warm Space activities, and for many different reasons. Some of our older single attendees, who have limited contact with others, come so as to have the opportunity to socialise either with each other or our happy and friendly volunteers and find the human contact they engage with both uplifting and refreshing. Our younger customers come so as to have a change of scenery, and meet up with people of their age and circumstances (i.e. being mums), most come as they are finding it challenging “to make ends meet” so not having to worry about warming their home a couple of times a week takes immense pressure off them, and the welcome addition of either reduced Cafe prices or free lunch is more than an incentive in these hard times.

All customers are very positive about all of the other services/activities we offer, and really appreciate the fact that help, support and advice is available from services like The Advice from the Hub or PAVO Community Connectors. One very frequent comment is that people really value the Warm Space sessions, and are very keen for them to continue as all users find the services invaluable and of vital importance to their wellbeing.

Annie England, KDCC Hub Coordinator

Mid Wales Arts

Mid Wales Arts centre has a large Artshed that has been completely rebuilt for exhibitions and events. It is well insulated and has underfloor ground source heating, which means it's lovely and warm and not harming the environment.

We have set up an area of the shed as a 'Warm Space' with a table, chairs, books, newspapers, drawing materials and of course tea, coffee and a kettle.

It's an inspiring and uplifting place to be, you can enjoy the art on the walls and the wonderful views, garden, farm, peacocks and you never know who you might meet.

It's a good place for groups who wish to take part in an activity ...knitting, book clubs, philosophy, writing etc.

The shed has wifi and charging points. There is a cafe on site.

The space is open from 10 - 4 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and you are most welcome. Just come along and check in at the barn cafe. Any queries: office@midwalesarts.org.uk or tel: 01686 688369.

The space is much appreciated. 'It's a space where you can enjoy the art and the warmth, it's lovely and friendly.'

Today we have had quite a few visitors and they have been inspired to start a 'Tai Chi' Weekly club starting on Wednesday 1 February, 12 - 1pm followed by a new discussion group 'Artspeak' 2 - 4pm where members can focus on selected artworks from the current exhibition.

Cathy Knapp, Creative Director

Councillors Carol Robinson and Julie Arnold with Rotarian, Tony Harvey, waiting to 'warmly' welcome members of
Welshpool Community to join them at the Welshpool Winter Warm Hub

Welshpool Town Hall Assembly Rooms

Pauline Chapman-Young, the PAVO Community Connector covering Welshpool and Llanfair Caereinion, called in to this Warm Space in Welshpool recently, and provided the following feedback:

The Warm Space has much more footfall now as its offers of free 'light lunches' have increased the interest from attendees. It is hard to judge the numbers as the hall is huge and people seem to drop in rather than stay all day.

Local Town Councillors are very supportive and are actually cooking some of the food and collecting donated food themselves. The councillors, including Nick Howells, are also working hard to bring in funding to enable them to keep the Warm Space going and have a 'healthy float' for additional supplies.

Printed material (leaflets) is available to offer help and support from many organisations including Community Connectors’ support. Volunteers from the community are visible and engaging with visitors. Overall there is a good vibe.

We hope you are keeping warm this winter. Let us know what you think about the Warm Spaces scheme in Powys in the comments below - we love to hear from you!

Shared Power training - your chance to make a difference!

Sarah Dale, John Lilley & Rhydian Parry - Mental Health Individual Reps

Do you use health wellbeing services in Powys? Do you ever think about using your lived experience to make a positive difference to the way these services are designed and delivered?

If the answer is yes, but you’re not sure about how to get involved, you could well be interested in a full day of free training around this important area. Our Shared Power training will run on Wednesday 8 February at our Llandrindod Wells office.

We spoke to PAVO’s Participation Officer Owen Griffkin about why Shared Power training is important and the opportunities it may bring to people who attend.

Who is the Shared Power training for?

It’s for anyone who uses health and well being services in Powys and feels like they could use their lived experience to help plan and deliver these services.

What will people who attend get out of the training?

We will be looking at how health and wellbeing services are planned in the county, and the importance of the voice of the people who use these services in helping to make sure the services are run in the best possible way.

People might not know that their experience can be massively important in helping to make health provision better and there have been some big changes over the last few years that have been made because of what issues people have raised.

It can be quite daunting for people to share their stories, which can sometimes be traumatic, so we will look at how to share their experiences. There will be lots of practical exercises, and also we will talk to some of the current service user and carer representatives who sit on the partnership boards responsible for making decisions around health and wellbeing.

What can people do with the knowledge they learn?

A lot of the subjects covered will help with people’s everyday lives. We will have some assertiveness training, and look at how to prepare for meetings and confidence building. We will also look at discussing difficult subjects that can be quite personal to someone.

There will also be a chance to see what current opportunities there are in Powys for people to get involved and make a difference straight away. We try to have as much fun as we can whilst learning, and we will make sure there are lots of practical activities to try out what we are teaching.

Why is this training important?

The Well-being of Future Generations Act in 2015 made it a requirement for Welsh public bodies to involve the people who use, or who care for those who use, health and well-being services. The more people who feel confident in getting involved in this decision making, the better the services will be for anyone who has to use them.

People who have attended previous training sessions have gone on to help make really positive changes in Powys and Nationally as members of health and well-being partnership boards , volunteers for Powys Patients’ Council and leading awareness sessions for social care staff on issues important to them.

There are many more opportunities now to get involved than there were before COVID, and health services are always looking for people with lived experience in lots of different roles.

The people we work with in participation at the moment all say how much it has improved their own well-being because of their increased confidence and self-worth so I can really recommend getting involved and this training will be a great place to start!

If you want to find out more about the Shared Power training you can email owen.griffkin@pavo.org.uk

Or, you can book your place online HERE.

You can read more, and watch a video, about the concept of Shared Power, 

on our recent blog post Shared Power - an Introduction.

The DPJ Foundation - celebrating 5 years of helping Welsh farmers to “Share the Load”

On Sunday 15 January 2023 the DPJ Foundation celebrated another milestone as their confidential support helpline ‘Share the Load’ has been operating for 5 years. Listening, supporting, and helping the people of the farming community and their families across Wales, the DPJ Foundation has provided counselling to more than 750 people.

The Share the Load support helpline is a 24/7 confidential call and text line with a free counselling referral service, specifically for those in Welsh agriculture. The DPJ Foundation prides itself on its non-judgmental, Samaritans-trained volunteers who are always there when needed. Share the Load is different to many helplines as it gives the option of fully funded professional counselling in English or Welsh to those who want it.

Kate Miles, the charity’s manager, said “It’s been a challenging year for many of us, especially for farmers. As we head into 2023, things are still looking difficult for UK farm businesses with many having to make some hard decisions about their future. This can also put pressure on relationships and lead to stress, worry and poor mental health. Here at the DPJ Foundation we want to make sure that everyone in Welsh agriculture knows that they are not alone. When you are facing some hard times and difficult challenges, we can help. Our volunteers understand the farming industry and can offer support. We work closely with other charities such as Tir Dewi, The Farming Community Network - FCN, and RABI (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) who can also help in difficult times.”

Emma, the founder of the DPJ Foundation who established the charity 6½ years ago following the death of her husband Daniel Picton Jones by suicide, said – “The last 5 years of Share the Load have been some of the most proud but heart breaking years of my life. Just over 5 years ago, following experiencing my own difficulty with accessing counselling following Dan’s death, I sat in the back room of a small coffee shop one winter's night and told a group of friends that I was going to create a service that meant people didn’t have to wait for support; that they could get help 24 hours a day should they need it and speak to a professional within 24 hours. They would have counselling in a way that suited them, be that at home or in the local community. 

"I don’t think any of us there that night thought that we would have made it this far but here we are. It breaks my heart that we have so many calls, but I am unbelievably proud of this service, the fact we cover Wales and provide support 24/7 to the people that needs it the most is a wonderful feeling. Thank you to all of the volunteers, counsellors and staff who make this possible. Mainly, thank you to those who call and allow us to help you Share the Load.”

The DPJ Foundation urges people to take notice of the people around them, loved ones, neighbours, and those in their community. Being there by showing them they are not alone can make a huge difference in someone’s life. The charity offers mental health awareness training for free; the 3½ hr session allows you to learn how you can support others in the farming community here in Wales as well as yourself. It will enable you to know how to recognise the signs of someone with poor mental health, how to support them, how to access help and also how to care for your own mental health. 

The charity also runs Bereavement and Grief Awareness sessions which are free thanks to funding from the Welsh Government. To find out more or to book head over to the DPJ Foundation website.

The DPJ Foundation also calls for your help to spread the word about the Share the Load helpline by displaying posters, leaflets, car, trailer, and bale stickers anywhere that you can.

Congratulations to the DPJ Foundation on hitting this milestone and 

good luck for the next 5 years. 

 If you need help, you can call them free on 0800 587 4262 or text them 

on 07860 048 799 (this number doesn’t accept calls).

The DPJ Foundation is part of the Powys Agri Wellbeing Support network (PAWS). If you would like to find out more about PAWS, email mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk or check out our website where there is an information sheet listing support available in Powys.

5 of the BEST: mental health festivals 2023

At the start of a New Year it can be exciting to look ahead and plan activity for the coming months. We’ve never featured mental health festivals on the blog before, so decided to take a look and see what is on offer for 2023.

It turns out there is a wide range of festivals across the country - the country being the United Kingdom, including several parts of these isles. The overriding theme of mental health may group them together for the purposes of this post, but otherwise the festivals featured are refreshingly varied in their offer - with arts festivals, music and comedy festivals, festivals specifically aimed at children and young people, and festivals inspired by individuals with lived experience. One of the festivals is online, but the others are face to face.

Let's take a look at some of the festivals in more detail.

Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival

When: 4 - 22 October 2023

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival (SMHAF), organised by Mental Health Foundation Scotland, is an internationally respected annual programme to support the arts, explore how engagement in the arts can promote good mental health for all and challenge preconceived ideas about mental health.

This year’s theme - ‘Revolution’ - was chosen to reflect a desire – in the midst of turbulent political and economic times – to address the impact of economic barriers and social inequality on mental health.

It also reflects the ambitions of the Mental Health Foundation to identify the changes we need to make as a society to achieve good mental health for all, with a focus on those who are at greatest risk.

Now & Beyond

When: 8 February 2023

Now and Beyond is the UK’s only mental health & wellbeing festival for schools. It’s funded by the youth mental health charity Beyond.

Beyond enable access to high quality mental health support for young people both in and out of school. They increase awareness of services and support available, and give a voice and platform to young people with lived experience of the challenges of mental health.

The annual festival reaches over one million young people, along with parents and educators. Schools and colleges can register online to take part.

Ground-breaking lesson plans are available to download, along with free access to a national database of approved youth mental health and wellbeing experts. During the day celebrity guests will broadcast live alongside young people with lived experience.

Flackstock

When: 24 July 2023

Flackstock is a relatively new festival celebrating the life of Caroline Flack, the former TV and radio presenter who took her own life in 2020.

Funds raised are donated to the mental health charities - Mind, Samaritans, and Charlie Waller, along with the refugee charity Choose Love. The festival, which takes place at Englefield House, Pangbourne, Berkshire, features live music, dance and comedy.

Blink the Mental Health Campaign at the Wilderness Festival

When: 3 - 6 August 2023

Blink’s wellbeing tents provide rapid peer and professional support when people need it most at a number of festivals throughout the summer including the Wilderness Festival in Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire.

Wilderness Festival is regarded as one of the UK’s top weekend wellness festivals. Whilst in many ways it is similar to a traditional music festival (with headline music acts), festival goers also have the option to join in wellness activities including wild swimming, fireside cooking sessions and mindfulness classes.

There is always someone to talk to about mental health, as the trained volunteers from Blink are based near their tent at all times. They will happily chat about mental health, and can signpost people to helpful tools or organisations. There are also a number of mindfulness activities on offer at the Blink tent which festival goers are welcome to join in.

“From feedback received, we know that many of the visitors to the tents went on to seek out help for their mental ill health after returning home from the festival – proof that we removed their fear of stigma.”

R;pplefest 2023

When: 12 August 2023

R;pplefest, the family friendly festival, has been put together by Josh Hendy’s family and friends. It will be a 'wonderful celebration of life' and a 'beautiful tribute’ to Josh, who died by suicide at the age of 21 on 25th November 2020.

Packed with mindfulness tents, significant mental health charity presence, live music and DJ sets, the event, at Gosport near Portsmouth, will shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention.

"Holding R;pplefest is a way of remembering Josh’s love of music and festivals while also raising money for R;pple Suicide Prevention Charity to allow them to continue to help those experiencing mental health crisis."

Happy New Year 2023!

If you know of any other mental health festivals planned for the UK this year, 

let us know in the comments' box below.

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.

Games for Wellbeing

by David Granero  

Project Coordinator

Modern board games have come a long way. They are engaging, accessible, inclusive and tickle parts of our brains in the most delightful way. I am not talking about old games like Monopoly or Cluedo, which rank at the bottom of the list of over 23,500 board games (to date). The mechanics of modern board games allow players full control of actions, balancing of decisions and a sprinkle of luck in the mix.

I have played board games for many years. I am part of a gaming group that meets weekly, where we try a plethora of new games and replay classic ones. In 2019 I had a severe mental health breakdown and our weekly gaming meetings became a life saver for me. It was then that I discovered the benefits of having a supportive social environment and started researching the mental health benefits of board games. I did a mental health first aid course and created Games for Wellbeing.

In December 2019 Comic Relief granted a small fund to pilot Games for Wellbeing in Llanidloes in North Powys (supported by LLANI Ltd). The first two sessions were well received (15-20 participants), but then the pandemic hit. The project tried to adapt by becoming a library of games and as restrictions eased it was hosted again face to face at the Hanging Gardens in the town.

At present Games for Wellbeing is looking for funding to expand into a permanent library of games at the Hanging Gardens, and to focus on the younger generations by bringing in role playing games and graphic novels. It runs every Thursday from 6-9pm and, as always, it is free for everyone.

Feedback from participants

“I’ve learned of new games, met new people and been entertained. The evenings have helped me feel less isolated and more a part of the community.” - Lawrence R

“I enjoy coming to the games evening as I live on my own so it does me good to come and socialise and learn new games. I really look forward to coming each week.” (sic) Marian H

“I absolutely love these game evenings. I’ve discovered so many new games and stretched my brain and had lovely evenings with people I’ve just met; and we’re all having a great time!” - Keran

“Well the games evening is amazing. It really helps the community for people to come out and to socialise. And to learn and play new games and it really helps intellectually. I hope the Games Evening will carry on. It means a lot to have them once a week.” - (sic) Elsa C.J.

Find out more

Games for Wellbeing Facebook page

email: gamesforwellbeing@gmail.com

Christmas - singing for mental health and wellbeing

Christmas carols with the PAVO mental health team

Whatever you think of Christmas it seems singing Christmas carols / songs could be good for your mental health and wellbeing.

Indeed, research has shown that group singing in particular is good for health generally. So, as choirs and singing groups throughout Powys gear up for the Christmas season, we decided to find out more about what exactly the benefits of group singing can be. And to do that, we hand over to those that know - some of the singers and choristers from a few Powys choirs and singing groups!

Castle Belles ladies’ singing group - Ceri Williams

I’ve been in the Castle Belles singing group of Castle Caereinion for 10 years now. We sing in English, Welsh and sometimes even Italian! We are not a traditional choir - we perform musical theatre mainly and carols at this time of year. We meet once a week on Tuesdays and are looking for new mezzos if anyone is interested! Over the years we have raised £25,000 + for different charities.

I believe that everyone can sing - if you think you can’t you just haven’t found your place yet. Besides which you’d be drowned out in our group!

Singing in a group produces feel-good neurotransmitters. It’s a primal thing. But you can definitely feel it. I get goosebumps singing in harmony. It’s fantastic for me. Plus, to sing in a group is very supportive. We have members who have lost partners and family members. We make friends and have shared interests. Every year we take the train for a social and meal in Shrewsbury and enjoy a big singalong on the train for the return trip!

Find out more on the Castle Belles Facebook page.

Photo credit: Sian Gwyn

Bracken Trust Singers - Chris Clarke, Leader

Our members are a very varied group of ages from mid-fifties to 92 years of age! We have singles and couples, men and women, people with cancer, people who recovered from cancer, people who have lost beloved family members to cancer and Covid. But, above all, we are a happy and sociable group who love to share our time singing and making friends.

We have performed recently for Dementia Matters in Powys. People who live with dementia respond really well to music from their era. We have since welcomed four visitors from their group who are hoping to join us each week to sing along.

Performing for Dementia Matters in Powys

“This is why we sing”, a song we included in one of our CDs, contains apt lyrics for anyone who enjoys singing: Music can tear down walls which we may have built around ourselves when feeling vulnerable and alone.

Singing enhances our breathing and lung capacity. It strengthens our core. It lightens our hearts. It brings us comfort when we most need it. It strengthens our memory.

Singing in a group encourages us to make friendships, to share stories and sometimes confidences which we feel we cannot always share with our dearest family when we are battling with illness.

Singing releases pent-up feelings. We often listen to songs which have profound meaning for us and we love to learn to sing them because expressing the words and sentiments help to improve our mental well-being.

Singing can give pleasure to others which then gives us pleasure, too. Singing in a group helps build our confidence. I know that in our group, The Bracken Trust Singers, we need our weekly dose of singing together and meeting everyone. It takes us out of the house, out of our daily lives with its cares and problems. That weekly dose is our medicine.

Find out more on The Bracken Trust's Facebook page.

Cantorion Llandrindod Wells - Hilary Cox, Musical Director

'Singing is a very special enterprise. We sing before we can speak, it costs nothing and requires no equipment. It helps us breathe in the best way and is a total physical and mental workout. It is one of those rare activities which engages both hemispheres of the brain, forging new connections and engaging our learning most powerfully. Singing with others has a powerful effect on mood and wellbeing. When those others are friendly and welcoming, the benefits multiply.’

No wonder that singing is increasingly recognised as a way to support and improve mental health for us all. A study by the Sidney De Haan Research Centre in Folkestone found that after 3 months of weekly singing, the singing groups showed statistically significant improvements both in generalised mental health and a reduction in depression.

Choir members of Cantorion in Llandrindod will vouch for the benefits of singing together. Members new to the area have found a welcome and all of us enjoy making something special happen each week at our rehearsals.

Find out more on the Cantorion Llandrindod website.

Hafren Community Choir - Charlotte Woodford

Group singing is highly beneficial for mental and emotional well-being. Choir members often report back how important it is for reducing anxiety, commonly sharing that for those two hours they think of nothing at all but enjoying themselves. The singing gets oxytocin, endorphins and serotonin moving through the body – our natural painkillers and healers, these also have a great hand in lifting our spirits.

The shared experience of singing is powerful, and facilitates other lovely times together - the tea break at Choir is an essential part of the whole evening, as is going on trips – locally or further afield. We are off to Limerick this summer to visit a host choir and have them back to Newtown in September. Singing opens everybody up, relaxes us, makes us laugh and take joy in what we are creating together, which has a knock-on effect on the forming of long-lasting friendships and a deeply supportive network within our community.

Contact Charlotte 07828 413 484 / charlotte@lifebulb.org for more info about the Hafren and Llanidloes Community Choirs, Singing for Lung Health & Baby Music.

Rhayader Voices in Unity - Lynda Birch

I sing with the Rhayader choir Voices in Unity. I love to hear the sound of our voices coming together to produce a sound that is a combination of our individual voices. I feel uplifted and part of something that gives pleasure to the many people who come to our concerts. I particularly like hearing the harmonies develop from our early practice sessions to the finished performance. It literally takes my breath away.

Find out more on the Voices in Unity Facebook page.

Cathy's Angels

Ponthafren Singing for Wellbeing - Cathy Beech

I am a singer/songwriter and vocal coach and for over 22 years I've been working towards demonstrating how singing frees your spirit and your mind to become who you want to be. It is a fallacy to believe it is for the few. I read somewhere recently that a study had been conducted and 96% of people can sing, that includes you, it is very unlikely that you can't sing, there has to be something really wrong for you to not be able to sing. The simple truth is, you have been trained to believe you can't sing and that is inhibiting. 

For the last 6 years I have been working on a program of Singing for Wellbeing in Newtown and Welshpool and it has become very successful. I use my program to help people at Ponthafren get their mental health back on track - it is an amazing facility for this. I also use my techniques with my own choirs and workshops and the difference it makes in people's lives is just inspiring for our community of singers, it truly opens mental doors.

The Teen Believers

As a vocal coach, I have witnessed the strength that people find deep within themselves once they have found their voice to do the one thing they always wanted. The power of singing together in front of people and sharing your voice is without doubt more important than we could even imagine right now. It's a life changer, a beautiful vibration that lifts and brings people together. But when we use it to discover ourselves then fear melts into a pool where the sun shines and a rainbow is born. You need to feel the vibration of sound. Go and join that choir, that vocal workshop. Sing that open mic church event. Be a part of your community, both performer and spectator. Free your voice. You will never look back. 

My classes are run from the Armoury in Welshpool throughout school term time on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can find out more details on my website. 

Choirs for Good - Tiffany Evans

Choirs For Good was set up by a group of like-minded choir leaders who wanted to use the power of choirs and group singing to connect and empower people and communities. Singing is a universal and instinctive part of what makes us human, yet it does not always feel accessible; we want to change that. Singing in a choir is about transforming one's life for the better, meeting people, forming bonds and new friendships and finding support through music, as well as creating wonderful opportunities and memories to cherish forever.

Singing together is about much more than singing itself. Choirs are communities of people from all backgrounds, with all the richness and life-experience that combining large groups of people together can bring. Communities are a powerful force for change, and we believe that by placing choirs at the heart of local communities it has the potential to do good for society. Our choirs are open to all who wish to join, we are welcoming members throughout the year and always happy to meet new people and attend new events, bringing music to those who need it. Our tag line is Do Good, Feel Good, For Good.

Llanidloes choir meet weekly on a Monday evening, what better way to start the week than by being enveloped in live music and laughter? Find out more on the Choirs for Good website. 

Alive & Kickin' Community Choir - Tanya Walker

As a classically trained singer, songwriter and composer I have been leading several choirs for 10 years now. I founded and lead the Alive & Kickin’ Community Choir Brecon and the Lunchtime Uplift Choir at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon. My choirs sing songs from all over the world including popular, contemporary and original material.

I have witnessed first hand over the years the transformational power that singing in a choir has had on the lives of participants - whether that be observing the power of singing as a catalyst to heal the wounded heart of someone recently widowed, or providing a valuable focal point and lifeline to someone recovering from extreme depression. My experience tells me that singing enhances the health and wellbeing of participants whilst also encouraging a more positive perspective on life.

My choirs also serve as vital friendship networks for the lonely and have provided a precious trip down memory lane for participants with dementia who can remember words from a song from their teenage years but can’t recognise the faces of their own family.

In some ways it is hard to put into words how music and singing together heals - except to say in every session I lead I see people coming into choir feeling one way - and witness everyone (with no exceptions) leaving feeling ‘uplifted’ from the day to day struggles of every day life.

Find out more on the Alive & Kickin' Facebook page or ring Tanya on 07723 016 837.

If you sing in a choir or singing group and feel it benefits your mental health we would love to hear from you in the comments box below.

A peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers near and far