Life at No 27 - growing for wellbeing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us briefly about the organisation’s main activities now

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

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

Why the move to Wales?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feedback from students:

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

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

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

What are the main challenges of your role?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can read their full testimonial here.

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

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

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

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

The Fathom Trust – health and healing through Green crafts

Back in 2020 Jess Tanner worked for Brecon & District Mind as an Ecotherapist leading the Green Minds Ecotherapy Project. Jess now works for the Powys charity The Fathom Trust as an Ecotherapist and Community Gardener.

We spoke to Jess to find out more about The Fathom Trust, and how coming together as a community to craft and connect with nature can enrich lives.

Jess Tanner, Ecotherapist

What is your role with The Fathom Trust?

I lead the six week “Making Well – Health & Healing through Green Crafts” course at The Fathom Trust. Located in Bwlch, Making Well runs four times a year and is centred around the kitchen and cut flower gardens and outdoor craft workshops. We work alongside a local, visiting craft practitioner on every course.

Crafts taught at Making Well have included willow weaving, horticulture, pottery, green woodwork and cob building. Our sessions are rooted in the seasons and our craft practice is very much guided by nature and the growing gardens that surround us.

We’re currently working to build stronger referral partnerships through our local GP surgeries, Brecon & District Mind as well as Credu, who we are welcoming to Making Well for the first time this summer for series of day-long craft and nature-connection workshops. We welcome referrals from mental health teams in the community, and self-referrals are also welcome if people feel the course will benefit them.

Tell us more about The Fathom Trust 

The charity, which is based between Brecon and Crickhowell in south Powys, was founded three years ago by Dr William Beharrell, formerly a trainee psychiatrist and NHS Manager, with an interest in health innovation. Its mission is “to promote physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing using traditional crafts to restore life-giving connections to body, soul, nature and society.” It has lots of new projects developing.

Craftsmanship, Conservation and Contemplation – how do these three aspects work together to support healing?

It's about tending and coming into relationship with all three of these aspects – how we tend to ourselves, others and the landscape around us. By working with our hands; with willow, wood and earth, and through gentle mindfulness and movement practices we come into a practice of noticing ourselves and the world around us. At Making Well we hold nurturing and healing spaces in which to come together as a community to share our individual and collective experience.

How can The Fathom Trust support people who are struggling with their mental health?

We support participants to improve their current health and wellbeing by cultivating skills, friendships and a deeper connection to nature. Our team of experienced practitioners provide a nurturing space for groups to come together, and are on hand to offer the compassion and guidance needed to meet people at their own pace. Our practitioners come from a diversity of backgrounds within wellbeing and craft-making and there is a real sense of collaboration within each Making Well course.

We offer a taster day ahead of each course which gives people chance to meet the team and each other and get a sense of whether the course is something they'd like to take part in. We feel that the taster days are a really important aspect of the course and help people to see what might be possible for them and what they might be able to achieve over the 6 weeks, especially after any long periods of ill health or feelings of isolation. If throughout the day participants find taking part in the group activities a challenge, we have a therapeutic practitioner at Making Well that is able to offer 1-1 walk and talks if needed. Each Making Well course is a closed group which we find helps build a stronger sense of community over a short period of time, and provides a fertile space in which to develop new skills and meaningful friendships.

What happens on the course?

Each session follows the same rhythm of coming together for a morning grounding and contemplative nature-connection practice, followed by small group morning and afternoon craft sessions. Halfway through our day we stop for a seasonal, nutritious lunch which is cooked onsite in our outdoor kitchen. We also weave in time throughout the day for time to reflect and share in our different experiences of crafting and being in nature.

Welcoming new craft practitioners keeps our work growing and evolving. It's great to be able to come into contact with so many different natural materials which often bring about a different set of experiences for those taking part. There are different challenges and moments of insight that can be discovered within each material and craft-making process.

Can 6 weeks make a big difference?

From my own experience of the healing and restorative potential held within nature, and from the privilege I have of guiding and witnessing others through their own experience throughout the 6 weeks, I do believe so. I am reminded of a Mary Oliver poem “When I am Among the Trees” and the constant source of reconnection and sense of belonging that she speaks of that is never too distant, and that through a slow crafting of tending to each moment within us and around us, we can begin to see and experience life in new ways.

We are in the process of creating a new digital story bank at Fathom with the intention of weaving together the many and diverse experiences of the way participants have valued their time at Making Well. Once these are published we will be able to draw upon a much wider range of the depth of experience each course can offer. It's really important for us to keep growing and to know that what we offer here is always in service to our community and to the landscapes we inhabit, so these story sharing opportunities are vital for our continued practice of being able to respond to, and be malleable, within times of change and uncertainty that many of us are constantly adapting to.

Although everything that we offer at Making Well is invitational, it is through participation that we can experience the most benefit, so we encourage and support everyone to take part wherever they can. We don’t see Making Well as an isolated experience and we hold and nurture a space together as a community over the 6 weeks that might help to cultivate new ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing that we hope will offer little seeds that people will continue to tend to. Tending is a big theme of what we cultivate – tending to the garden, one another and ourselves and the realisation that we are all part of this world. We all share similar stories around our struggles, our fears and feelings of isolation. At Making Well we create a space to share and support one another, and that can offer a huge sense of relief and respite to those that join us.

What impact does this course have on participants?

There is some really interesting evaluation work that has been done on this by the Wales School of Social Prescribing Research in conjunction with several universities. You can read more on our website here.

Heather Dickens, willow weaver

How can people and communities contribute and benefit from The Fathom Trust?

The Trust is trying to grow wellbeing and craft hubs – and also to grow the network of landowners and practitioners taking part across Powys. We have a Crafters’ Café at Brecon Cathedral which is part of Making Well – it’s a drop-in craft café in the Tithe Barn every Tuesday within term time run by Heather Dickens our willow weaver.

The Trust is also looking for other sites to set up more Making Well programmes – with a vision to link each cluster of GP surgeries to a 6 week course, so that the referrals are held much more within our local communities. Currently some people travel from a fair distance and we want to limit that where we can within Powys.

Long-term, funding permitting, we hope Making Well courses will pop up throughout the county. They might be shaped a little differently according to the surrounding landscapes and local need, but each will be anchored in our approach to craft, conservation and contemplation.

Which other organisations are you working with this summer?

We’re also working with Credu (Connecting Carers) over the summer holidays for the first time offering sessions for young and adult carers’ groups.

What are the main challenges of your role?

It’s getting the message out there and reaching people, it takes time but we are starting to build momentum as we strengthen our local partnerships. 

By working outdoors, we also work with the changing weather and terrain, we want Making Well to be as accessible to as many people as possible, so we are constantly looking at ways that we can adapt our offer to suit everyone’s mental and physical strengths and limitations.

We will be inviting professionals to come and join us for an open day to see how Making Well can support those they are supporting. Some of the PAVO Community Connectors have taken part so can then speak about it which is especially useful for those referring in. That’s worked out to be a very natural partnership that we hope to keep growing.

What do you get out of working for The Fathom Trust?

So much. I am always reminded how important it is to come together as a community and how much we all need that and the space to come and share and express who we are in a supportive environment. I get huge joy in sharing the many nature-connection activities we offer, gardening together in groups, skill sharing, and holding space for people – it feels a real honour to do that. Also seeing the difference in people from a taster day to the end of the course is wonderful and the ways that people slowly unfurl themselves and open out to the world around them as the course goes on.

It's such a joy to see how participants on Making Well make each invitation to explore nature and craft-making their own, and take time to tune into nature and themselves in ways they might not have done or had the time to do so before. It's just a great privilege to see the growth that can happen over such a short period of time and the friendships that blossom and how people begin to trust in their own capacity for becoming and being well. We work with the natural world to create a rhythm and a nurturing environment for people to come into, but it’s always about the unique constellation of participants that join us that make each course the healing and regenerative experience it becomes.

When you are not working for The Fathom Trust, how do you enjoy spending your time?

I love to potter, grow and make things. I like to write songs and take long walks with my hammock. In the garden, or under the night’s sky, is where I find my sense of sanctuary.

If you want to find out more about The Fathom Trust, 

you can contact Jess by emailing: jess@fathomtrust.com

The next Making Well session starts with a taster day on 14 September. 

You can sign up on the online referral form here.

Our team Get Active for positive mental health!

Owen Griffkin, Mental Health Participation Officer, on a walk with PAVO colleagues

There is plenty of evidence that getting active is beneficial to your mental health. The Mental Health Foundation and Mind have both written extensively on the subject, and in previous blog posts we have featured Be Active as one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

This summer of sport we asked the members of our PAVO Health & Wellbeing team: “How does a sport or physical activity that you take part in impact positively on your mental health and emotional wellbeing…?"

Here are some of the team's favourite ways to exercise to good mental health.

Andrew Davies - Participation Officer, Health & Wellbeing

Tug of War

For the past two years members of our local young farmers' club have competed in the tug of war competition in the county Rally. The team is in its early years so far. 

I have taken the role of assistant coach which has been a privilege and has also helped with my mental health. It means that I get to spend time in a more masculine company, as working in a more feminine work environment and living with two daughters I do not spend much time in the company of other men. It is something that I did not realise I missed until having that time.

Ceri Williams - formerly a Health & Promotion Facilitator, now a Community Connector

Pilates

Pilates for me is grounding. Now that I am able to do a live class from my home I feel I can relax in to it more and can hold on to the peacefulness through the evening and there is no self consciousness if I suddenly realise I can’t hold the pose for long.

Jackie Newey - Mental Health Information Officer

Drystone walling

I don’t go to a gym but for me drystone walling is the “green” equivalent of “pumping iron” in our garden. It involves gathering, and then arranging, many extremely heavy rocks! And before that the wall foundations have to be dug.

I have to concentrate so hard on finding the best shaped rocks for the wall that it takes my mind to a completely different place, away from any day-to-day worries and wholly immersed in the activity.

The sheer physical effort of lifting the rocks into place surely releases some feel good factor exercise hormones! The walls can take some time to build. Time well spent in regard to my mental wellbeing.

Jen Hawkins - Communications Officer / Health & Wellbeing Information Officer

Spin class

Jen on a smoothie bike at a recent staff day!

I was missing my endorphin high from running due a knee injury and needed something to replace it. I love walking and swimming but I don’t get quite the same benefits to my mental or physical health. I’d avoided Spinning for years as the thought of taking part in a spin class terrified me. As a last resort I pushed myself to join a class last year. I was completely out of my comfort zone, I didn’t know anyone and was really nervous. It was hard work and I knew I’d had a work out at the end of the session.

To my surprise I loved it. The pace of the class, the music and the sense of achievement, whilst feeling part of a group and getting to know new people, gave me a real mental boost when I was feeling incredibly low and not myself at all. I’ve now got more of a spring in my step and I’ll continue to spin even when I start running again.

Lucy Taylor - Startwell Officer

Horseriding

I love horse riding and would like to do more. When you ride it is a partnership with the horse, you cannot ride without their cooperation. I think it helps your mental health as horses ask nothing from you, nothing more than you can give that day. They are very good listeners and do not ask questions. The daily tasks of mucking out and grooming give you a repetitive task that is relaxing.

Owen Griffkin - Participation Officer, Mental Health

Tennis

Now the sun is trying its best to return from its winter break, I have started playing more tennis at Llandrindod Tennis Club. I’ve even joined the league team, playing in the Montgomeryshire League. I’ve really enjoyed it so far and found it very beneficial for my physical and mental wellbeing.

Sharon Healey - Head of Health, Wellbeing & Partnerships

Walking & cycling

I start most days with a 1.5 mile walk around my village. It gives me a positive start to the day and helps my mental well being and physical health. Living in the countryside, close to a large river, often gives me the opportunity to see wildlife playing early in the morning whilst walking.

At weekends my husband and I like to cycle to a point of interest or a cafe. We enjoy taking part in an activity together which is environmentally friendly and often has a reward of cake at the end!

Sue Newham - Engagement Officer Health & Wellbeing and Lead Officer Mental Health

Jive class

Over five years ago, my husband and I went along to a local jive class, where we spent a bumbling but cheerful year in the beginners’ class. Circumstances meant we couldn’t go any more, but recently I started to see FaceBook adverts for another jive class, sadly when my husband is working.

Recently, I took the plunge and went along. I was as uncoordinated at jive as I knew I would be, but the people were friendly and accepting. The two hours passed really quickly. It was fun! I went home and ordered some proper dance shoes to protect my knees against twisting. I’ve been twice now and am so glad I took the plunge. No way are you getting a photo of me dancing, but you can see my dance shoes! :-)

Thanks to everyone in the team for telling us about their favourite sport and exercise. Let us know in the comments box below about how you are "getting active" for positive mental wellbeing.

Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle and Garden

Cared for by National Trust Cymru, Powis Castle and Garden is a much-loved property in the north of Powys on the outskirts of Welshpool.

From the world-class garden, with its 17th century Italianate terraces and gigantic clipped yews, there are stunning views for miles over the picturesque countryside surrounding this Medieval castle. A visit can in itself be a boost to emotional wellbeing as we respond to the beauty of the gardens and engage with Nature.

Recently we were excited to hear about Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle, which are open to anyone and focus on improving mental health and wellbeing whilst being surrounded by the beauty of nature. We got in touch with Alison Dunne, Senior Volunteering and Community Officer there, to tell us more.

What is your role at Powis Castle? 

From being a history student to bringing my own children to visit, I have always enjoyed visiting Powis and other National Trust places. The different outdoor spaces and heritage sites gave us endless days out wherever we happened to be.

My role at Powis is to open up opportunities to different people through volunteering and to encourage local people to enjoy Powis and everything we have to offer at this special place.

Most of our visitors live outside our local area. Part of my role has been to connect with local community groups to find out what they feel is a barrier to them coming to visit us at Powis and trying to overcome those barriers so they can fully enjoy this fantastic place right on their doorstep.

Powis’ community ambition is to support the wellbeing of the local community and inspire people to become advocates of the National Trust.

What happens on the weekly Wellbeing Wednesday?

Wellbeing Wednesdays take place every Wednesday morning at 10am and are open to anyone who would like to come along and join in. Whilst for the most part the sessions will be a chance to soak up the beauty on a walk around our stunning gardens, we also have several special sessions planned.

To mark #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, on Wednesday 17 May we held a Singing for Wellbeing session led by Cathy Beech of Angel Voices Singing. On June 14 we’re looking forward to a Mindfulness Walk with Catherine Waterfall from Good4Mind, and on 12 July we are running a gentle yoga session on the lawn in our tranquil Edwardian Formal Garden.

Where did the idea come from for Wellbeing Wednesday?

Following the pandemic, we recognised that there was a need for people to connect with nature to enhance wellbeing. This is the belief on which the National Trust was founded.

'The need of quiet, the need of air, and I believe the sight of sky and of things growing, 

seem human needs.’   Octavia Hill, National Trust Founder

After promoting the Wales Wellbeing Pass to local groups, we felt it would be good to have a designated time for members of those groups to come together, socialise, and share access to all that Powis has to offer. It’s important that those who are socially isolated or who may feel nervous about coming alone can enjoy an understanding and welcoming space.

Who can take part, is there a cost, and is booking required?

Everyone is welcome to come along and take part in our free Wellbeing Wednesday sessions, normal admission charges apply to non-members. No booking is required, just join us at 10am in the Visitor Welcome Cabin on the day.

What is the Wales Wellbeing Pass?

The Wales Wellbeing Access Pass is available to any group who lead activities that support the health and wellbeing of their members. At a cost of £45 per year, the pass allows groups of up to 50 people at a time to visit any National Trust Cymru site in Wales.

What are the benefits of joining in at the Wellbeing Wednesday sessions at Powis Castle?

The National Trust was established for everyone, for ever, and we’re delighted to be supporting the wellbeing of our local community, and working to ensure everyone feels welcome and can benefit from this special place. It’s fantastic to see the garden being enjoyed by so many local people.

It is widely recognised that access to beautiful spaces, nature and the outdoors has a positive effect on mood by offering sessions such as mindfulness, yoga and singing we hope we can encourage people to use different strategies to improve their mental and physical health.

Tell us more about working with Ponthafren and Credu

Our first community project was setting up the community garden here at Powis, which is located in an underused area of the garden, off the visitor route. Surrounded by ancient trees and next to a scenic pond, it is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful space to escape to.

Originally started in 2021 to combat isolation after the Covid-19 Pandemic, the community garden is run in partnership with Ponthafren as a place to gather, grow vegetables, fruit, and flowers, learn new skills, and spend time in nature. The garden group is now flourishing and it’s fantastic to see friendships building and confidence growing. People interested in getting involved can contact admin@ponthafren.org.uk for more details.

Credu carers expressed a need to access beautiful spaces both for respite from their role, but also as a place to bring those they care for so they too can enjoy open space and a warm welcome. We’re working with them to overcome access barriers, and to design tailored visits to meet their particular needs for example, by offering an autism friendly “quiet visit” for families outside of normal opening hours.

I’m now working in partnership with Oldford Integrated Family Centre to trial a new individual access pass. Based on the concept of social prescribing the pass will give access to individuals whose mental or physical health would benefit from access to nature and heritage.

Tell us about the specialist sessions you are arranging, including singing, walking and mindfulness

As part of our Wellbeing Wednesdays, and to mark #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, on 17 May we held a Singing for Wellbeing session led by Cathy Beech of Angel Voices Singing.

Cathy said “I cannot wait to be surrounded by the beautiful venue of Powis Castle. I will be bringing my songs, guitar, backing tracks and vocal exercises to help you find your vocal joy. You don’t need to think you can sing, you just need to want to have some fun… it is about being in the moment and enjoying the ability to be present through singing. Please come and join me, you will have a fabulous, uplifting, life affirming time!”

As a special edition to our Wellbeing Wednesdays, on Wednesday 14 June we’re delighted to welcome Catherine Waterfall from good4mind.com to lead a Mindfulness Walk through the beautiful gardens here at Powis. Catherine’s guided walk will be an introduction to mindfulness which she says has proven stress-relieving benefits, particularly when practiced outdoors in nature. Catherine says, “As well as walking slowly and mindfully, I will be leading meditations at various points to savour the beauty of the gardens.” Come and meet us at 10.15am at the garden gate for a relaxing start to your day. It is free to join the guided walk, but normal admission prices apply.

Then on Wednesday 12 July we are running a gentle yoga session on the lawn in our beautiful formal garden.

What are the main challenges of your role?

The foundation the National Trust is to make “everyone welcome”, but this is not always as easy as it sounds and when I speak to some local groups I often find there are barriers that prevent some members of our local community from visiting.

My challenge is to identify what might be stopping them and then find a solution so that they do feel welcome, for example they may need access to a quiet space for a sensitive child, or level access to the garden to avoid our steep terraces. Of course, in the current financial climate, price is also a barrier, but we are hoping the Wellbeing Pass will overcome some of that pressure for community groups.

Tell us about some of the most rewarding work you have done at Powis Castle

The most rewarding work is often the most simple – giving people access! Powis itself does the rest. It’s been great to see the effect a visit to the stunning garden or the splendour of the castle can have on someone who has never experienced them before.

I’m particularly proud of the community garden. I have seen a really positive change and growth in its users over the years. Our Garden Leader, Cheri, was very unsure and lacking in confidence when she first came to the garden. Now she runs the group for Ponthafren and recently won recently won the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) Volunteer of the Year for the “Excellence in Health & Wellbeing” category for her work.

Does Wellbeing Wednesday take place at other National Trust properties – for example, if people are on day trips or holidays?

Wellbeing Pass groups are welcome to visit other properties throughout Wales using their pass. We just ask them to book through us if they have a large group.

What are the National Trust views on boosting positive mental health generally as this relates to visitors, volunteers and staff?

From the National Trust website… Walking in nature for wellbeing | National Trust

“Spending time in nature can actually reduce anxiety and depression, according to the ‘Nature and Mental Health Report’ produced by mental health charity Mind. It also states that being outside in natural light can lift a person's mood, especially during the winter.”

Some good thoughts on here too… Everyone needs nature | National Trust

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

I love being outdoors and enjoy walking, especially in beautiful scenery like the Lake District or direct from my door here in Mid Wales. I find I can lose myself in gardening and taking notice of what is happening in the garden throughout the year is a positive, uplifting experience. A garden is full of promise of better things to come. 

Many thanks to Alison for telling us about the Wellbeing Wednesdays at Powis Castle Garden in North Powys. If you would like to find out more you can email Alison - volunteeringpowis@nationaltrust.org.uk

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 - Anxiety

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week 

15 - 21 May 2023 is Anxiety.

The Mental Health Foundation, the charity which has hosted the annual Mental Health Awareness Week since 2000, explains why Anxiety is the chosen theme:

“Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem. Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. 

We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. 

Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.”

Andy, from North Powys, tells us what anxiety feels like to him, and shares tips 

which help him cope with anxiety in his day to day life.

To start off, could you give us a brief introduction to yourself and your situation?

I’m male - aged 63. I work part-time at a supermarket in Newtown. I have worked in a more intense, demanding IT job in the past, working in London, so my present job does not stretch the “grey matter”. Therefore, I have too much time on my hands to think and ponder over life, health and current news. 

I have struggled with depression over the last 13 years in Wales, being stuck in the house for many hours with not much going on. The "black dog" analogy and Silvercloud have both been useful to me, as is sharing with others that I trust and doing some volunteering and being part of a local church.

Tell us more about what anxiety feels like to you?

Anxiety is a feeling where my world is closing in on me. I don’t feel motivated to do anything or start anything new. It feels like I’m watching others having more fun but I cannot get enthusiastic about anything I am doing currently. I don’t look forward to doing anything and stop making any future plans.

What can bring on a feeling of anxiety in your experience?

My feelings of anxiety can be triggered by bad news on the TV, the weather, someone’s negative story or words to me, or it just appears out of the blue like random thoughts from nowhere. Sometimes they are nagging and recurring negative thoughts about my health or the future.

What helps you with your anxiety if you are at home alone?

I find it is helpful to me to limit the amount of TV news I watch to a short time, once per day. During Covid, I was watching TV news daily, and taking in every “blow by blow” announcement. This had a negative effect on my mental health. 

On big news subjects like the economy and wars and disasters, there is a constant commentary by journalists, who like to sensationalise every subject, dwelling on the negative side. I need to remind myself that what I’m listening to, is not fact, but comment or opinion. If I try and “wait and see”, and ignore it, it probably won’t happen (e.g. gas supplies exhausting and lights going off in winter in the UK). 

Having a faith, I do pray regularly, and God does take my cares and worries away. I find relaxing music (e.g. Christian songs by Hillsong) and reading the Bible (e.g. Psalms) soothes my soul and relaxes me when I am stressed or feel pain.

Cycling on the dunes at Newborough Forest on Anglesey

Tell us more about activities outside the home that can help with your anxiety

I like going out every day for a short walk with my camera, to maybe capture a new view or something natural like a bird or a flower in my favourite places like a park with trees, or along a river. Nature calms me and provides re-assurance in uncertainty. 

I also like to go out to a pub or a warm space, meeting people and socialising, to drink a coffee or read my book. It’s nice to see people and be out of the house. I like to go out for a motorcycle ride on a sunny day, as it is just me and machine in my space away from the hub-bub of life.

What was your experience of SilverCloud online Cognitive Therapy like?

I have found the "black dog" cartoon useful to me. It’s a very clear picture to me of what might be going on in my mind where the dark voice, or Black Dog, is speaking loudly to me. I sometimes find myself listening to it. The “black dog” is sometimes silent and sometimes barking away loudly and hard to ignore. 

I have completed the online Silvercloud course as my employer allowed me to have access to it for a limited time two years ago and I found it helpful and useful to me. Silvercloud (online mental health support) allowed me to study a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) course online at my own pace and there was a personal guide allocated to me.

If the current Cost of Living Crisis has had an impact on your mental health, tell us how and why

Having time at home does mean that I feel the cold virtually every day. No one likes to return to a cold house. So, turning down the heating makes me feel “down” and putting it on and then looking at the smart meter also makes me feel “down” about the potential monthly cost of heating my house in terms of the gas and electricity bill. I have to stop myself constantly looking at the smart energy meter. Some people hide it away.

At the Menai Bridge, Anglesey on holiday

Which non-medical approaches work best for you when dealing with anxiety?

I find getting out of the house regularly helps me. I find activities like volunteering (e.g. driver for community cafe in the Covid lockdown period, and doing litter-picking as a Keep Wales Tidy Litter champion) and being part of a local church, attending large and smaller group meetings, helps me. 

I also find being outside in the natural environment, having a good book to read at doctor’s waiting rooms or in the pharmacy, or cooking a new recipe helps me. It is important to try something new from time to time.

Do you attend a support group, and if so what do you find beneficial?

I regularly work at a large supermarket, which provides laughs and lots of "ups and downs", but it has sustained me as a key worker allowing me to regularly get out the house three times a week, even during the lockdown Covid period. My workplace provides continuity, an income and a social life. 

I also find attending a weekly church meeting on Tuesdays is helpful to me, as everyone is a similar age at a similar life stage, sharing with each other how they are feeling about their health concerns and family worries too.

What is the one key thing which really helps you if you’re feeling anxious?

Try to tell yourself – “What if it doesn’t happen?" Or, “I’m better off than some others,” or “it might not be as bad as I have imagined, so wait and see”. Avoid over-thinking or worrying, as it achieves nothing and is damaging to your health. I am a “Work in Progress”. This is an ongoing battle as I am an anxious person. I am not “out of the woods” on this and there is always room for improvement and the need to seek help and share more with others.

Views from the motorbike above Newtown

Many thanks to Andy for telling us how anxiety affects him.

You can find support for anxiety in many different ways as Andy pointed out. 

Here are some links to sources of support in Powys:

Silvercloud CBT

Anxiety UK

Mental Health Foundation - tips for coping with anxiety

Mind - videos on anxiety & tips to help

“Outstanding Contribution Award” for Powys mental health reps

Jamie Burt (chair of PAVO trustees), Clair Swales (PAVO Chief Executive Officer),
Sarah Dale (Mental Health rep) & Tom Jones OBE (High Sheriff of Powys)

Owen Griffkin (Participation Officer) and Sarah Dale (Mental Health Representative) share their experiences of the recent 

Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards night.

The annual event is organised by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.

Owen Griffkin

The Powys Volunteer of The Year Awards is a wonderful way to celebrate all the volunteers in Powys who help to improve their communities and I was, therefore, really pleased to hear that the mental health service user and carer representatives had been nominated for this year's awards.

I attended the awards ceremony with Sarah Dale and our newest rep, Sally Houghton-Wilson, at the Elephant and Castle in Newtown.

My role is to support the reps to make sure they have everything they need for meetings, for example - agendas, travel etc. Because of this I see first-hand the work they do, and am constantly amazed by the dedication, bravery and hard work displayed by the reps. This was highlighted by the fact that one of the reps, John Lilley, couldn’t attend the awards ceremony as he was in Carmarthen at a national meeting!

It was a pleasure to see other groups and individuals who contribute so much to improving wellbeing in Powys receive awards. For example, Mums Matter Peer Support service, Cherilee from Ponthafren and Richard from Brecon & District Mind. There were also some really inspiring young people like the Junior Startwell Board who received well-deserved awards.

Mums Matter Peer Support Service receive the
Excellence in Health & Wellbeing group award

Then, after a delicious meal and a superb performance from two local performers who had entertained audiences in starring roles in West End productions, it was time for the Outstanding Contribution award. Sarah was really nervous in anticipation of the announcement but there was no need to be as the name on the envelope was read out - The Mental Health Service User and Carer Reps.

Sarah went up to collect the award, posed for some photos and then sat back down, grinning from ear-to-ear. Seeing how important the recognition was to Sarah made my night and I hurriedly sent texts to the other reps with photos and congratulations.

So once again to all the people who have been there to give service users and carers a voice - we all salute you and thank you!

You can read below what winning the award meant to Sarah and more about their roles.

Sally Houghton-Wilson (Carer rep), Owen Griffkin (PAVO Participation Officer)

and Sarah Dale (Mental Health rep)

Sarah Dale

Winning the Outstanding Contribution award means so much. As mental health service user and carer reps we are only required to attend the planning and development partnership board four times a year. But all of us do much more than this basic requirement. Myself and the other reps - John, Sally, Rhydian (and others like Hayley and Jane who have been involved recently) also attend the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum, Engage to Change, Talk to me 2 Group, and Powys Crisis Care Forum. We also meet patients at the Felindre ward at Bronllys Hospital every month to collect feedback, and report to the health board, to improve patience experience.

As reps we are asked to join working groups to help develop services to make sure they are fit for purpose, looking at specific areas such as the NHS111 Press 2 (due to launch in Powys soon) and complex trauma services.

We also go out to organisations and community groups to talk to people at ‘Meet the Rep’ events to gather experiences on services and directly discuss these issues with the service managers for mental health.

Sarah receives the Outstanding Contribution award on behalf of the reps
from Clair Swales, CEO PAVO

Recently myself and John Lilley have been voted in as the chair and vice chair of the Engage to Change sub-group which is a really productive meeting held with staff from all organisations who play a part in services. It is more responsibility and work but we also get to shape the discussion and give people a voice.

I have also led self-injury awareness sessions which have been attended by people from all over Powys and I have to reflect on and share some very triggering memories for me, but I do this because I want to help others who may be going through the same experiences. If I can tell people what could have made my experience better then they can make sure that others are treated with more empathy and compassion in the future. This is what drives us all as reps.

We do our utmost to champion the voices of those we represent, to ensure services are fit for purpose and the service user voice is heard loud and clear (I do have a loud voice!). People often forget that what we do is voluntary and that some of us are still receiving treatment for our mental health or caring for someone with a mental health condition. Because change takes time this can be exhausting and frustrating. So being recognised for everything we do with this award means so much that I can’t put it into words.

"The award has pride of place on my mantelpiece for now, until I pass it 

on to one of the other reps for them to keep." 

Find out more about becoming a Mental Health Rep in Powys.

The Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards is held annually by PAVO as part of the work 

of Powys Volunteer Centre. The awards recognise the commitment and value of volunteers across the County. If you feel inspired to volunteer, please get in touch with us:

volunteering@pavo.org.uk or 01597 822191 

Watch this space for our next annual awards and the opportunity to nominate a volunteer or group of volunteers who have made a difference to you!