Spotlight on …. Mid and North Powys Mind

Spotlight on Mid & North Powys Mind

On Thursday the 3rd July I headed over to the brand new offices of Mid & North Powys Mind, to introduce myself in my new role as Mental Health Information Officer at PAVO and find out a bit more about the services they provide.

Having recently moved out of their old premises in Crescent Chambers to the Impelo Dance studio in Arlais Road, Llandrindod Wells, the new property has undergone extensive renovations which will enable MNP Mind to provide a facility which is accessible to everyone.

Caroline Stanley, Wellbeing Centre Coordinator.

Walking in the main entrance to the welcoming smell of fresh paint and new flooring. I was greeted by Mary Griffiths, who is one of the co-CEO’s along with Jo Lewis and she immediately let me know that they had, that very day, been signed off by building regulations meaning that they could, at last, open their doors to their service users. With just a few finishing touches still to do including installing a reception desk the area felt fresh and modern.

First things first, Mary suggested a guided tour of the place. I was shown the accessible lift which allows wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs or any one with mobility issues access to the first floor where I was shown into a number of small rooms which would be used for 1:1 sessions and a slightly larger room ideal for a small group or perhaps family therapy sessions. The rooms were all tastefully furnished with a warm and welcoming feel. At the end of the corridor was a light and airy meeting room with a fireplace at each end. A meeting table to my left and some comfy sofas to my right. Off of this room was a kitchen which Mary explained could be used for cookery sessions with a window overlooking the ‘Incredible Edible allotment area’

Whilst chatting with Mary I learned that she had been with the organisation for around 18 years in various roles and had seen a lot of changes. She explained that local Mind Branches differ from National Mind in their operational structure and the way they are funded. Although they share a common goal of improving mental health. National Mind focuses on policy, influencing, and campaigns across England and Wales, and also operates charity shops. Local Minds such as MNP Mind are independent charities providing tailored mental health services specific to their communities.

“We are a Mental Health Charity that aims to improve the mental wellbeing for people in mid and north Powys”

Other services include Mum’s Matter an 8 week course followed by peer support & there are upcoming groups in the following areas:

August 4th – Presteigne Memorial Hall 10am till 12 noon
September 5th – Machynlleth Yr Plas 10.30am till 12.30pm
September 25th Newtown Hope Church 10am till 12 noon
October 30th (online) Zoom mm course 6pm till 7.30pm

Walk and Talk groups happen all over Mid and North Powys & there is a Bereavement cafe held on the first Monday of every month at 6.30pm at All Saints Church, Commercial Road, Newtown.

MNP Mind also offer a number of free mental health training courses and the new autumn program of courses is soon to be released.

There are a number of in-person peer support groups including Tai Chi and various arts and crafts groups.

These are just a few examples of activities on offer, new programs and groups are added from time to time to meet the needs of the people of North and Mid Powys.

We then discussed the many ways in which MNP Mind supports the wellbeing of their service users and I had a look through the many leaflets proudly on display. MNP Mind offers support for young people including support within high schools and colleges along with youth support groups which I was told are very well used.

MNP Mind offers 1:1 support, counselling and online CBT (silvercloud) which can be accessed either with or without the support of a practitioner
In-Work support service for anyone aged 16 or over, living in Powys, who is Employed, Self-employed or an Apprentice and who is struggling to stay in work due to ill health. This service also provides support for small to medium businesses based in Powys which aims to support businesses to improve their health and wellbeing practices.

To learn more about Mid and North Powys Mind and keep up to date with the support they can offer, head over to their website mnpmind.org.uk where you can watch a short video about the service or follow the links to the various groups. support, training and activities on offer. Or if you prefer, follow this link to their facebook page.

Or simply get in touch by calling or texting them on 01597 824411 emailing: admin@mnpmind.org.uk or dropping in to the offices at Arlais Road Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.