More South Norfolk communities become Mindful Villages

Trowse, Framingham Earl, Caistor St Edmund and Bixley are the latest communities to achieve Mindful status, helping take the number of recognised towns and villages across South Norfolk to 27, supported by 304 trained Wellbeing Champions.

The project equips local people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise when someone may need support, start conversations about mental wellbeing and signpost people towards appropriate help.

Cllr Graham Minshull, South Norfolk Council’s Portfolio Holder, said:

“It’s fantastic to see more of our communities embracing the Mindful Towns and Villages project. By giving local people the confidence and knowledge to support others, we are building stronger, more connected communities where people know they don’t have to face difficult times alone.

“This growing network is making a real difference and I would encourage more residents, community groups and businesses to get involved.”

The latest training brought together predominantly parish councillors from communities represented by the Six Strategic Group, which covers Bixley and Arminghall, Caistor St Edmund, Framingham Earl, Framingham Pigot, Poringland and Stoke Holy Cross.

The Chair of Framingham Earl Parish Council, who is also one of the group's chairs, helped organise the training and circulate information among the six parishes.

Two training sessions were hosted at Dunston Hall, which kindly supported the project by reducing the venue hire fee. South Norfolk Council is encouraging more residents, parish councils, businesses and community organisations to become involved in the project and help strengthen wellbeing support within their communities. Find out more about our Mindful Towns and Villages Project.