2 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Shadows wins best Mental Health Provider at Prestige Awards
Shadows Depression Support Group in Garnant was crowned Mental Health Support Provider of the Year at the Prestige Awards on July 17.
The organisation was given the accolade after judges were impressed by the empathy and authenticity shown by staff and volunteers, whose lived experience is the heart of everything they do.
Founder and director of Shadows Depression Support Group, Louise Craik said: 'It was a shock to be honest. There's a lot of competition when it comes to mental health groups. We are just a small mental health organization which supports people across Carmarthenshire and Port Talbot.
'But we also help people who come from anywhere. We never turn people down. It is very rewarding. We see people at their lowest. It's great to see them come out of a support session with a little bit of hope and a smile on their face.
'The award is credit to our volunteers who will sit with someone for hours. The approach that we use is that everyone is unique. The most important thing is to provide support to those people who need it in the community.'
Shadows is planning to increase mental health support in the community by starting a new program on September 18.
The First Step Mental Health Programme will be held at Hwb y Gors every fortnight on Thursday from 10am to 12pm and there is a drop-in session on September 11 where locals can find out more.
Louise continued: 'I started this group after suffering from mental health issues myself. I used to suffer with depression and anxiety. Some of my immediate family have also struggled with mental health.
'Here at Shadows, we have learned to find out what the mental health triggers are. For example, it could be financial.
'When you need mental health support and you are going through your darkest times, you don't want to go through so many hurdles just to receive treatment.'
Shadows prides itself on its real-world insight that enables the organisation to connect on a deeper level with those facing emotional distress, creating the kind of trust and compassion that many traditional services struggle to offer.
From suicide and self-harm prevention to day-to-day emotional support, Shadows provides immediate access with no waiting lists and no referral delays, individualised care and diverse support opinions including group and one-to-one sessions.
Congratulating Shadows on their award, Cllr Emyr Rees said: "This has really warmed my heart as I have so much admiration for all at Shadows. We are so privileged to have you in our community helping and supporting all that need it."
