'Let's talk Holyhead' is a weekly group set up by local residents to help those who are struggling or have struggled with mental health issues. Let's Talk was conceived due to residents feeling like they needed more support in their area for those with mental health issues. The group meets every Thursday at The Community Pod, based on Market Square in Holyhead, and anyone and everyone is welcome to attend.
The group holds different craft sessions every week such as bracelet making, tote bag decorating, card making, calligraphy, mindfulness colouring, music therapy and a 'Mind Craftmas' among other projects and themes as they have found conversations surrounding mental health flow during activities like these, creating a sense of comfort and confidence for project members.
Let's Talk works in partnership with local services such as Mon Communities Forward, as well as RCS through the ‘I Can Work project.’ This project is aimed at people with low to moderate mental health issues to assist and help them get into work, to help with the anxiety of an interview and to help support them when they start work. On top of all of this, the group has teamed up with a local therapist/counsellor so they can also offer free sessions for those who wish to speak to a professional in confidence.
A great success has been seen in that Ynys Mon and Gwynedd MIND are now referring residents to attend the sessions, and Let’s Talk Holyhead is listed on the C.A.L.L for Wales Mental Health support website. Local Assembly Member Rhun Ap Iorwerth has been in to talk with group members about the lack of services and provision for mental health concerns in the area, and Member of Parliament Virginia Crosby has also now shown interest in the project.
The group is growing in numbers every week and a local woman who has struggled with her own mental health now runs the sessions and all activities are planned by group members. They have their own Facebook page where people can message privately for support out of the regular group meeting times, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
The Local Conversation Project Manager, Stephanie Pritchard, said “It is brilliant to see so many residents coming through our doors to attend the Mental Health drop-in. That the Community Pod is providing a place of safety and comfort for those struggling, and additional support when required, is a fantastic asset for the Town and the Local Conversation in Holyhead. What is great is the fact that the group support each other and facilitate their own sessions with minimal support from us. This is a group of local people who are tackling a problem in the community head-on and, by being there for each other, are taking control of their own health.”
The group have been taking part in additional fundraising for their group, from a band night to a pop-up charity shop, and have high-hopes for what they can achieve in the future.
Let’s Talk Holyhead is funded through the Local Conversations programme, addressing the local priorities of young people, community events, and training and employment. The Local Conversation in Holyhead, Anglesey is supported by Mon CF and funded by People’s Health Trust.
To read more news from the Trust, click here.
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