This year on World Mental Health Day [10 October 10] Carmarthenshire Council is highlighting the important work the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund is doing to support mental health organisations and projects across the County.

Projects range from well-established national organisations such as Mind and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, to local youth groups and specialist support charities.

The fund is supporting Llanelli Mind to run its Supported Self-Help Programme which provides people with the skills and opportunities to understand, protect and improve their Mental Health.

The programme will offer support with all common mental health problems such as anxiety, grief, loneliness, low self-esteem, depression, anger management, stress and understanding menopause. For more information, please visit the website.

Following the COVID 19 pandemic, the amount of young people who have experienced mental health issues has grown. Through a combination of both preventative and supportive services, the SPF funding intends to help address this.

The investment in youth support services like People Speak Up and various youth clubs and groups aims to reduce the rate of referrals to NHS services.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Customer Services are on hand to offer help, support and advice about what services are available to combat the lasting effects of mental health. Our Hwbs work closely with a number of charities and organisations in order to give Carmarthenshire residents the best tools to cope with their mental health.

Hwbs are located in Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen. You can visit their website for more information.

Alternatively, the Council’s rural Customer Service team, Hwb Bach Y Wlad travel around the County offering support. To find out where you can visit Hwb Bach y Wlad, please visit their website.

If you are looking for support, your local Hywel Dda Health Board GP is available to help, or alternatively you can contact Delta Well-Being on 0300 333 2222 for information advice and support.

The Mental Health Helpline for Wales offers emotional support and information. Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the service by calling direct on 0800 132 737. To find out more: https://www.callhelpline.org.uk/

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans commented: “Carmarthenshire County Council is committed to combatting the long-lasting impact of mental health struggles by providing links to much needed help and support.

“The work that is being undertaken by the Shared Prosperity Fund is making it easier for people to get the support they need.

“If you are struggling with your mental health, I urge you to reach out to someone who will be able to help”.

Find out more about the youth orientated projects supported by SPF:

• The Jac Lewis Foundation offers mental health and wellbeing services with a tailored approach for every individual.

• PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is a national suicide prevention service with an office in Carmarthen. Through this project, PAPYRUS is extending its services through the development and delivery of suicide prevention training through the medium of Welsh throughout Carmarthenshire.

• Carmarthenshire & Cross Hands Autistic Mams Association is a community support and friendship group for parents and carers of young people with autism or are believed to be on the spectrum.

• The Llandovery Youth and Community Centre supports local people of all ages and abilities, general upgrades and improvements are to ensure the centre remains fit for purpose.

• 1st Llanelli Scout Group are a valued youth development organization, this project will address the need for significant improvements to the roof of the Scout Hall.

• Mess up the Mess supports young people to volunteer as peer leaders; they will receive support to build on their experience and gain accredited creative and technical training.

• People Speak Up is a social, mental-health, arts, health and wellbeing charity based in Llanelli. They connect communities, and groups of all ages, through storytelling, spoken word, creative writing and participatory arts.

Read more about the wide range of projects supported by the fund below:

• The Angor - Community Engagement/Wellbeing Project assist vulnerable individuals and their families to support their wellbeing post cancer diagnosis.

• Radio BGM, Prince Phillip Hospital Radio provides a local voice and companionship for hospital patients, addressing issues and events significant to them.

• The Dolen Teifi Community Transport project addresses the lack of transport for residents enabling them to improve their wellbeing through accessing services.