Brundall declared 'Mindful Village'
Brundall has been officially declared a 'Mindful Village' as part of Broadland District Council’s project to support people suffering with mental health issues in the district.
The Council has worked with partner organisations to provide free training sessions as part of the Mindful Towns and Villages (MTV) project, enabling people in Brundall to become certified Wellbeing Champions.
The project ensures that immediate support is available in the community and in the workplace while raising awareness of mental health issues and challenging the associated stigma.
Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing Cllr Natasha Harpley said:
“Our amazing Wellbeing Champions are equipped to support people and help them navigate life's challenges with care and empathy, ensuring that no one has to face their mental health issues alone. Our initiative encourages a compassionate, understanding and supportive community, offering practical support to those who need it."
The Council worked with the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust’s Wellbeing Service and workplace health provider Thriving Workplaces to train Brundall's new Wellbeing Champions, with funding from South Norfolk and Broadland Health and Wellbeing Partnerships . It will continue to partner with these organisations to offer more training as it rolls out MTV across Broadland and South Norfolk with the aim of creating hundreds of Wellbeing Champions. So far, Aylsham, Wymondham and Diss have been declared 'Mindful'.
Any community groups, businesses or organisations in either district are encouraged to request free MTV mental health training.
All groups will receive branding that shows they have Wellbeing Champions in recognition of their commitment and training.
Anyone who has already completed mental health training elsewhere and would like to become a part of this exciting new Wellbeing Network simply needs to send the Council their certificate with consent to become a Wellbeing Champion - please email communities@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk. In return you will be sent an information pack and be invited to the South Norfolk and Broadland (SNAB) Community Links meetings.
The Council’s Help Hub is supporting all Wellbeing Champions and the Help Hub has recruited a Mental Health Support Worker to talk through residents' concerns and provide advice on next steps, and the different services available. Professional support will also be provided by Evolve for any referrals by Wellbeing Champions for more complex cases.