Latest news with #MindCymru
Pembrokeshire Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Angle lifeboat crew respond to three callouts in just twelve hours
MENTAL HEALTH is more than just a small part of our lives – it's connected to everything we do, every place we go and everyone around us. Knowing how to respond to someone who is struggling with their mental health, or being open with others about our own emotions, is something lots of us still find difficult, however. This Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12-16), Mind Cymru is sharing its top tips to help anyone who might be concerned about someone they know, or about their own mental health, find ways to get a conversation around it going. Talking to others There isn't one set way to talk to other people about their mental health. But, here are some ideas to help: Ask open and non-leading questions, which can give people space to express their feelings and help you understand their experiences better too. Think about the time and the place. This can make talking easier, for example, if it's while you're doing something else like walking or cooking – but don't let this put you off if it comes up naturally in conversation either. Remember you're not there to fix things and that managing a mental health problem can be a long journey – talking itself can be helpful so, unless they've asked for advice directly, it's sometimes best to just listen. Be patient and accept that, no matter how hard you try, someone might not be ready to talk about what they're feeling, It could make it easier for them to be open with you when they do feel ready. Opening up to others It's common to feel worried or nervous about how being honest about our own mental health might affect our relationships with others. When you do feel ready, here are some ways to help you to start: Find a method of communication that's right for you – talking on the phone or writing a letter might feel easier than speaking to someone face-to-face, for example. Find the right time and place to open up. It's not always possible to find a 'good' time to talk, but it could help to think where and when you'd feel most comfortable. Practise what you want to say. Phrases such as 'I've not been myself lately' or 'I'm finding it hard to cope at the moment' might provide a good starting point. Find relevant information and examples, like a description in a book or the storyline of a film. This could help explain your feelings and to let others know how they can help you – whether that's through emotional support or with any practical help you might need. Remember it's ok to come back to a conversation. You may both need time to think about things, and they may struggle to know how to react at first. Sue O' Leary, Director at Mind Cymru, says: 'Mental health isn't just about how we deal with our emotions, it's a part of our everyday life and can affect our physical health, our finances and our relationships too. 'That's why Mind's own services, information and campaigns here at Mind explore all aspects of a person's life, it's why we have different helplines to meet people's different needs, and it's why our 16 local Minds in Wales design their services to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve. 'We also know, however, that the level of stigma around mental health is higher than we've ever seen it here in Wales, and that too many people still find it hard to talk about how they are feeling. 'So, we just wanted to remind people in Wales during Mental Health Awareness Week of the need to work collectively in spreading awareness and encouraging each other to be honest and open about our feelings so that, together, we can make sure no mind is left behind.' If you are finding it hard to talk to someone about their feelings, or to open up to others about your own mental health, you can also seek support for your mental health in a number of ways by: Calling one of Mind's Helplines or accessing information on the Mind website at Reaching out to Mind's online community Side by Side, available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day at Calling Samaritans on 116 123 (freephone). Their English language line is always open and their Welsh language line opens daily from 7pm to 11pm. Texting SHOUT to 85258, a free 24/7 crisis text service.
Pembrokeshire Herald
20-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Shelter Cymru responds to draft Homelessness and Social Housing Allocations Bill
MENTAL HEALTH is more than just a small part of our lives – it's connected to everything we do, every place we go and everyone around us. Knowing how to respond to someone who is struggling with their mental health, or being open with others about our own emotions, is something lots of us still find difficult, however. This Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12-16), Mind Cymru is sharing its top tips to help anyone who might be concerned about someone they know, or about their own mental health, find ways to get a conversation around it going. Talking to others There isn't one set way to talk to other people about their mental health. But, here are some ideas to help: Ask open and non-leading questions, which can give people space to express their feelings and help you understand their experiences better too. Think about the time and the place. This can make talking easier, for example, if it's while you're doing something else like walking or cooking – but don't let this put you off if it comes up naturally in conversation either. Remember you're not there to fix things and that managing a mental health problem can be a long journey – talking itself can be helpful so, unless they've asked for advice directly, it's sometimes best to just listen. Be patient and accept that, no matter how hard you try, someone might not be ready to talk about what they're feeling, It could make it easier for them to be open with you when they do feel ready. Opening up to others It's common to feel worried or nervous about how being honest about our own mental health might affect our relationships with others. When you do feel ready, here are some ways to help you to start: Find a method of communication that's right for you – talking on the phone or writing a letter might feel easier than speaking to someone face-to-face, for example. Find the right time and place to open up. It's not always possible to find a 'good' time to talk, but it could help to think where and when you'd feel most comfortable. Practise what you want to say. Phrases such as 'I've not been myself lately' or 'I'm finding it hard to cope at the moment' might provide a good starting point. Find relevant information and examples, like a description in a book or the storyline of a film. This could help explain your feelings and to let others know how they can help you – whether that's through emotional support or with any practical help you might need. Remember it's ok to come back to a conversation. You may both need time to think about things, and they may struggle to know how to react at first. Sue O' Leary, Director at Mind Cymru, says: 'Mental health isn't just about how we deal with our emotions, it's a part of our everyday life and can affect our physical health, our finances and our relationships too. 'That's why Mind's own services, information and campaigns here at Mind explore all aspects of a person's life, it's why we have different helplines to meet people's different needs, and it's why our 16 local Minds in Wales design their services to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve. 'We also know, however, that the level of stigma around mental health is higher than we've ever seen it here in Wales, and that too many people still find it hard to talk about how they are feeling. 'So, we just wanted to remind people in Wales during Mental Health Awareness Week of the need to work collectively in spreading awareness and encouraging each other to be honest and open about our feelings so that, together, we can make sure no mind is left behind.' If you are finding it hard to talk to someone about their feelings, or to open up to others about your own mental health, you can also seek support for your mental health in a number of ways by: Calling one of Mind's Helplines or accessing information on the Mind website at Reaching out to Mind's online community Side by Side, available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day at Calling Samaritans on 116 123 (freephone). Their English language line is always open and their Welsh language line opens daily from 7pm to 11pm. Texting SHOUT to 85258, a free 24/7 crisis text service.
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ceredigion County Council new Chair elected for 2025-26
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
Pembrokeshire Herald
18-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Welsh football clubs to receive mental health awareness training
Initiative aims to tackle stigma and improve wellbeing across grassroots sport FOOTBALL clubs across Wales are being offered access to mental health awareness training as part of a nationwide drive to support players, coaches, and local communities. The initiative, backed by Mind Cymru, UK Coaching, and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), will provide around 1,000 e-learning course places to clubs. The training will equip coaches with the knowledge and confidence to better understand and support individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12–18), and follows the recent publication of the Welsh Government's Suicide and Self Harm Prevention Strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The course aims to break down stigma, address risk factors, and promote a positive sporting environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised. While the immediate focus is on raising awareness, Sport Wales is also developing a long-term preventative approach for the wider sporting sector. A launch event was held on Thursday (May 15) at Barry Town United FC, attended by former Wales goalkeeper and FAW ambassador Neville Southall, Sports Minister Jack Sargeant MS, and Barry Town Club Secretary David Cole. For Minister Sargeant, the campaign carries deep personal significance. He entered politics in the wake of his father Carl Sargeant's death by suicide in 2017, and in 2022, lost his best friend Jamie Wynne – a fellow football enthusiast – in similar circumstances. Speaking at the launch, he said: 'It means so much to me to help kick this programme off during Mental Health Awareness Week. 'This isn't an easy subject to speak about, but I know the importance of opening up. This is the best way I can honour Jamie, who believed so passionately in the power of grassroots football to bring people together. 'Sport – and football in particular – can be a powerful tool to reach those who might not otherwise seek help. If this training leads to even one meaningful conversation, it will have been worth it.' Wales men's national team Head Coach Craig Bellamy added his support: 'We all need to take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health. This training will give clubs the tools to play their part, and I'd encourage every club in Wales to get involved.' Mental Health and Wellbeing Minister Sarah Murphy said the course has the potential to make a real difference: 'We want to build a culture where people feel safe to seek support without fear or judgement. 'This training can empower people to spot the signs, offer compassionate support, and help others access the services they need. It's about creating real change at every level of Welsh sport.'
South Wales Argus
16-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Welsh football clubs to get mental health training places
The initiative, launched by Mind Cymru and UK Coaching, aims to better equip clubs to support their teams, coaches, players, and the wider community. The e-learning course will be initially delivered to football clubs with the backing of the FAW. The course is designed to provide coaches with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to better understand and support individuals living with mental health issues. It also aims to foster a positive environment where everyone can enjoy the benefits of being active. Sports minister Jack Sargeant said: "It means so much to me to be able to kick this training programme forward and establish something that will really help people, especially now during Mental Health week. "I want to do anything and everything I can to ensure we can best help those who need support, no matter the setting." Craig Bellamy, head coach of the Wales men's football team, added: "It's important that we all take the time to raise our awareness and understanding of mental health and how we can support the people around us. "This e-learning course will help football clubs to understand how they can play their part in increasing awareness and understanding and I would encourage all clubs in Wales to get involved and take advantage of this training." The announcement coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week and follows the publication of the Suicide Prevention and Self Harm strategy and Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy last month.
