Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations is currently funded by Powys Teaching Health Board and Powys County Council to provide:
- Better information for everyone about mental health services in Powys.
- Support for citizen representatives as they join in with strategic board decisions.
- Networking and sharing of best practice amongst mental health and wellbeing organisations.
These three areas of work are called Information, Participation and Engagement
Information
Karen Greenough heads up the Mental Health Information Service. People and professionals can ring the Mental Health Information helpline on 01597 822 191 to find services. They can also email mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk for an email reply.
Participation
The Participation Officer recruits and supports citizens with experience of mental health services to attend the Mental Health Board and make decisions about future services in Powys. The Participation Officer also runs the Patients’ Council, where in-patients on Felindre ward at Bronllys hospital can speak to independent citizens about their experiences on the ward.
Engagement
Sharon Healey leads the Health and Wellbeing team at PAVO. She and John Williams facilitate a number of networks for third sector organisations, which keep people informed and enable good practice to be shared. Networks create a talking space for voluntary organisations to meet with health services and the council so that they work together more effectively.
Meet the team
Staff working in the Powys Mental Health Information & Participation Team are employed and supported by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO).
Sharon Healey
With PAVO since:
2018
Current role: Head of Health Wellbeing & Partnerships
Leisure time:
Family, walking, catching up with friends
Wellbeing tip:
It’s okay to say no.
Working days:
Monday to Friday
John Williams
With PAVO since:
February 2024
Current role:
Senior Officer Information, Engagement & Participation
Leisure time:
Wellbeing tip:
Working days:
Monday to Friday
Karen Greenough
With PAVO since: 2025
Current role:
Mental Health Information Officer
Leisure time:
Walking, running, yoga & time with my sewing machine!
Wellbeing tip:
Take a nap!
Working days:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Alice Dolan
With PAVO since:
March 2024
Current role:
Mental Health Participation Officer
Leisure time:
Long, long walks with the dog, fixing bicycles and cooking for friends.
Wellbeing tip:
Projects and hobbies, I always have something on the go.
Working days:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday