COLUMN: It’s a time to take care of our mental health
“The winter solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years. For many, this time of coming together brings joy and connection.
But it can also bring feelings of stress and isolation. For that reason, I want to use this month’s column to shout out some of the people doing great work to support our mental health.
As humans, being part of a community is fundamental to our mental well-being. Our community is lucky to have the mental health services of the lovely people at Ponthafren Welshpool.
In 2025, the Town Council will be installing three “talking benches” created in collaboration with Ponthafren, to encourage passers-by to have a chat.
I spoke to Ponthafren again last week. They say they would love to hear from more people in Welshpool and the surrounding area, either with interest in their existing services, or with suggestions for new services. Examples of what Ponthafren currently provide are:
Counselling: Person-centred. Free to anyone over the age of 16. Delivered face-to-face, online or via the phone by both male and female counsellors. Counselling slots available in the daytime and evenings.
Blended Silvercloud: An online programme to develop ways of managing your own emotional wellbeing. Based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which focuses on the way thoughts can influence feelings and behaviours. Supported by fortnightly calls with an experienced practitioner.
One to one practical support: Help with issues from debt, housing, social isolation, budgeting, benefits, family issues, confidence building and beyond. Relieve some of the stresses of life and move forward.
Drop in: Available in each of their centres from 11am-3pm, welcoming people for a coffee and a chat or to bring anything that they need some support to sort through.
Life skills: Courses developed to help people overcome life’s obstacles in a supportive group environment. Courses include confidence building, emotional wellbeing, managing stress, and coping with change. Talk to others with similar issues and concerns. Learn new coping strategies and healthier behaviours.
Groups and activities: A variety of offers from Mindfulness to crafts. Ponthafren are always interested to know what activities people would like and will look to run these too.
Gym / Squash: Ponthafren have a gym which is £15 per month to join, with no minimum subscription. They also have a squash court operated in partnership with the local squash club.
Walk and talk rugby: Each Thursday evening at Welshpool Rugby Club. It allows people to have a friendly game of walking rugby with like-minded people. Great to build up a social network whilst also getting in some exercise.
Ponthafren Welshpool can be reached by phone on 01938 552770, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ponthafren, or by their email admin@ponthfaren.org.uk. (Their Welshpool office is closed from 20/12 to 02/01, but their Newtown office will remain callable at 01686 621586 over the holidays.)
And of course, for 24/7 mental health support, we can call the NHS on 111 and press option 2.
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