GPs

The GP is normally the first point of contact and early diagnosis, intervention and access to support is important.  There are plans "in hand" to establish a Primary Care Mental Health Service in Powys which will be aimed at people with mild to moderate depression (see PRIMARY CARE section).

COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TEAMS

If the depression is more severe, access to a Community Mental Health Team may be more appropriate.  Many of the teams run groups, which may be short term or longer term, "open" or "closed", so it is worth contacting them to see what groups are operating and whether new ones are being planned.  See COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE TEAMS Section.

SELF-HELP GROUPS/DAY SERVICES

There are six mental health centres in Powys run by the voluntary sector.  They run a range of groups and support sessions for people experiencing mental health problems and are often referred to as Day Services.  All groups have a depression focus, but not all are for people with depression only.

BRECKNOCKSHIRE MDF THE BI-POLAR ORGANISATION SELF-HELP GROUP

Tel: 01874 611 529 or 01639 841 345 for more details.
Alternates between: The Loft, 3 Bell Lane, Brecon and
Contact Group, Heol Eglwys, Ystradgynlais SA9 1EY
2nd Tuesday in the month from 7pm-9pm
email: pmunn1@orange.net

ABERYSTWYTH MDF THE BI-POLAR ORGANISATION SELF-HELP GROUP

Meet at: Canolfan Merched-y-Wawr, Vulcan Street, Aberystwyth on the 3rd Wednesday of every month between 7.30pm-9.30pm.