Left to right: Jackie Newey, Clair Swales, Sue Newham, Owen Griffkin
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
Jackie Newey heads up the Mental Health Information Service. This service means that people and professionals can ring the Mental Health Information helpline on 01597 822191 to find services. They can also email mentalhealth@pavo.org.uk for an email reply.
Participation
Owen Griffkin recruits and supports citizens with experience of mental health services to attend the Mental Health Board and make decisions about future services in Powys. Owen 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
Clair Swales leads the Health and Wellbeing team at PAVO. She and Sue Newham 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).
PAVO is a Mindful Employer.
Clair Swales
With PAVO since:
2016
Current role:
Head of Health & Wellbeing
Leisure time:
Gym, cooking, walking
Wellbeing tip:
It’s okay to step away from the screen.
Working days:
Monday to Friday
Sue Newham
With PAVO since:
2018
Current role:
Health and Wellbeing Engagement Officer
Leisure time:
Painting landscapes, cooking, walking, family
Wellbeing tip:
Learn to say no.
Working days:
Monday to Thursday
Jackie Newey
With PAVO since:
2009
Current role:
Mental Health Information Officer
Leisure time:
Organic gardening, nature recording, videography & photography
Wellbeing tip:
Be kind to yourself as well as others.
Working days:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Owen Griffkin
With PAVO since:
2017
Current role:
Mental Health Participation Officer
Leisure time:
Comedy, music, theatre, binging good TV series
Wellbeing tip:
Long walks, familiar music and creativity
Working days:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday