Reedham and Freethorpe become Mindful Villages

The Mindful Towns and Villages initiative creates local networks of trained Wellbeing Champions who can have supportive conversations, recognise when someone may need help and signpost residents to appropriate services.

With Reedham and Freethorpe joining the scheme, twenty-one communities across Broadland now have Mindful Town or Village status, while nearly 300 Wellbeing Champions have been trained across the district.

Cllr Natasha Harpley, Broadland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing, said:

It’s fantastic to see Reedham and Freethorpe achieve Mindful Village status. Having Wellbeing Champions within our communities means there are local people who have the confidence to start conversations, listen and help signpost residents to support when they need it.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped make this possible and encourage more residents, community groups and businesses to get involved. Together, we can create communities where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health and know where to turn for help.”

In Reedham, the Community Association plays an important role in supporting wellbeing and reducing isolation. As well as maintaining Reedham Village Hall as a community hub, the association organises social, cultural, recreational and family events, giving residents opportunities to meet, volunteer and connect with others.

Chris Bradbury, Chair of Reedham Community Association and the RCA theatre company and stage school, is one of the local volunteers supporting the community, alongside his wife Sue and their daughter. Representatives from Reedham Parish Council have also been involved. In Freethorpe, private psychotherapeutic counsellor Melanie Hoggett, from MJB Counselling, is helping champion the initiative and has created a dedicated Wellbeing Champion support page to help local people find early support.

Freethorpe Parish Council and the Methodist Church are also supporting the initiative, with local Wellbeing Champions promoting the importance of talking and reminding residents that support is available.

Residents, community groups, sports clubs and local businesses can all become involved. Wellbeing Champions receive free mental health awareness training, helping them recognise mental health concerns, feel more confident starting conversations and signpost people towards suitable support.

For more information, please visit our Mindful Towns and Villages page

Pictured: Cllr Natasha Harpley and Cllr Grant Nurden with Chris and Sue Bradbury from Reedham Community Association and Melanie Hoggett from MJB Counselling, celebrating Reedham and Freethorpe becoming Mindful Villages.