New ‘Train the Trainer’ boost for Mindful Towns & Villages
South Norfolk Council has reached an important new milestone in its Mindful Towns and Villages project, with the launch of a “train the trainer” model that will significantly expand the reach of wellbeing support across the district.
The initiative equips local people with the knowledge and confidence to support those experiencing mental health challenges, while also helping them connect individuals to the Council’s Help Hub — a one stop shop for advice, practical assistance and onward referrals. The project is now empowering experienced Wellbeing Champions to become accredited trainers themselves.
South Norfolk Council’s Portfolio Holder, Cllr Graham Minshull, said:
This new phase is a huge step forward for South Norfolk. Training the trainers means that wellbeing support can grow from the ground up, led by people who understand their communities best. It strengthens our towns and villages and helps create a kinder district where people feel able to look out for one another and can offer help as soon as it’s needed.”
Leading the way is Kenny Child, Wellbeing Champion for Diss and Roydon, who has become one of the district’s first Wellbeing Champion Trainers. Kenny has already delivered his first training session, helping local groups build practical skills that strengthen community resilience.
Kenny said:
Becoming a trainer allows me to support even more people in gaining the confidence to help others. Every person we train will go on to support people in the community who may need help with their mental health. It’s amazing to see what a difference that can make.”
With Kenny’s help, the Mindful Towns and Villages scheme is thriving in Roydon and Diss, with Champions now active in nurseries, care homes, community groups, the Diss WI and Fox Wood Forest School. Fox Wood also runs a weekly wellbeing group for adults and collaborates with Designer Maker 21 on a monthly drawing workshop.
In addition to Roydon becoming a mindful village, Bressingham and Fersfield have also achieved Mindful Village status after members of their parish council undertook the training. South Norfolk Council is encouraging more residents, parish councils, small businesses and community groups to get involved.
Anyone interested in arranging wellbeing training can contact Wellbeing Champion Trainer Kenny Child at: trainerwbc.roydonDiss@outlook.com
PIC: Cllr Graham Minshull, Kenny Child (Wellbeing Champion in Diss and Roydon). Mike Stratton (Wellbeing Champion), Cllr Jane Jennifer (Wellbeing Champion, Roydon Parish Council, Diss Group, Amnesty International).
Published: 28 January 2026