A million-pound project set up to promote positive mental health across the boroughs of Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot, is urging residents to make a resolution to look after their emotional wellbeing in 2010.
‘Siaradwn Ni – Let’s Talk’ is a five year project backed by the Big Lottery Fund’s Mental Health Matters programme.
It is aimed at working with local voluntary and statutory agencies to promote positive mental wellbeing, reduce barriers to accessing support, provide training and support people who might be affected by mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or self-harm.
Dr Tegwyn Williams, from the Mental Health Services Directorate of ABMU Local Health Board said: “With the arrival of the 2010 many people will be making New Year’s resolutions about their physical health, but it’s important not to forget to look after your mental well-being too.
“Mental health often suffers during the festive and new year periods – relationships can become strained, your normal routine is affected, money worries can increase and even an overindulgence on alcohol and unhealthy food can affect the way you feel and see life”.
“So make a resolution for 2010 to look after your own emotional health and support others to do the same.”
Siaradwn Ni plans to launch its website early in the New Year where you will be able to link into the project and access the relevant aspects of the project. Look out for www.siaradwnni.org.uk
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And the first ‘Siaradwn Ni – Let’s Talk’ Conference which will be on the theme of Men and their Mental Health and will be held in the Bethlehem Church Life Centre, Cefn Cribwr on the afternoon of the 19 March 2010. For tickets and further information about the conference on 19 March contact Mental Health Matters on 01656 651450 or e-mail admin@mhmwales.org
ENDS
Editor’s notes:
- Siaradwn Ni is a £1m project funded by BIG Lottery and the project runs from 2009 – 2014. Organisations providing services include: Yellow Wales, Mental Health Matters Wales, Cruse Bereavement Morgannwg, Bethlehem Church Life Centre, Youth Works and Mind Cymru.
- For more information contact the following Siaradwn Ni Coordinators during office hours: Bridgend: Claire Foster clairefoster@bavo.org.uk 01656 810400; Neath Port Talbot: Dave Smith daves@nptcvs.org.uk 01639 631246
If you need to talk you can call the Samaritans (UK Wide) 08457 90 90 90 or CALL (Community Advise and Listening Line/Wales Wide 24 hour support) 0800 132737.