Category: News

Funded by Wiltshire Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Wiltshire Mind has launched a Workplace Wellbeing Support Programme for individuals working in small businesses and sole traders in our county.

The programme offers mental health awareness and mental health first aid training for a range of employers and employees across Wiltshire, running small businesses, working for smaller businesses or working as sole traders.

Support for you and/or your small business

If you or your small business would benefit from individual or group mental health training, please contact us today for more details. Subject to availability, all courses are fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and our partnership with Wiltshire Council.

1 in 4 adults will experience some form of mental health issue in their lifetime according to World Health Organisation.  Our goal is to not only raise awareness within the workplace and day to day life, but to empower those to act and do the same.

Early intervention is key and discovering healthy coping strategies for the workplace and in life is part of our overall strategy to support long term wellbeing. Our training will teach you how to spot the signs and how to signpost others towards hope and help.

If you are passionate about ensuring the wellbeing of your team and are looking for ways to build your own resilience, improve engagement, reduce absenteeism, optimise performance and reduce attrition, please check out the courses below.

Details on the fully funded courses available:

Half Day Aware course

Mental Health First Aid

1 day Champion course

These are fully funded, so the price on the link is paid for by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund programme.

To register your interest or to find out more about the funded courses for your or your business, simply enter your details on the link below.

Funded Training – register your interest here.

Additional Support for Individuals

To further support individuals working in smaller businesses, we are able to offer fully funded one-to-one counselling in some cases. For more details on this, please visit our website or email counselling@wiltshiremind.co.uk and put “Funded Counselling” in the email subject box.

About us

Wiltshire Mind is an independent charity passionate about helping you with your mental health and wellbeing.

Our training is provided by our delivery partner Paula Power, who is owner and director of My White Dog, based in Malmesbury – an experienced and accredited instructor member of MHFA England.

Thank you

We are very grateful to Wiltshire Council for supporting us with funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This provides us with the opportunity to expand our wellbeing support into smaller business workplaces, and helping individuals to prioritise their mental health and resilience.

We are recruiting for a Team Administrator to join our charity at this exciting time.

The Team Administrator is the first point of contact for our charity, so this is an important role in demonstrating our values, through the professionalism of our work. We rely on our Team Administrator to communicate effectively and efficiently internally and externally with a range of stakeholders from clients and delivery partners to trustees to funders.

This role is office based in Trowbridge, with occasional travel to events.

We are a small charity, where everyone works together as a close team to deliver the very best we can in mental health support for our beneficiaries. Having an interest or lived experience in mental health is helpful, as empathic communication with our clients is important.

As a charity, we have to raise funds – so if you are enthusiastic about administration and would love to gain more experience in working alongside our community to help raise funds too – this role may be perfect for you.

The salary is negotiable depending on experience, so if you are interested, download the job description on the link below which includes contact details.

We look forward to hearing from you!

At Wiltshire Mind, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. Our recruitment process is designed to be fair, transparent, and free from bias. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other characteristic. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each person brings, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered.

Make a difference to the lives of local people and consider becoming a Trustee for Wiltshire Mind.

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in our life time.

44,000 people in Wiltshire had a recorded diagnosis of depression in 2020/2021.

These are startling statistics. Here at Wiltshire Mind we support some of the estimated 70,000 people across Wiltshire that experience mental health or wellbeing problems.

Passionate about good mental health?

We are a local independent mental health charity dedicated to supporting our community and promoting better mental health and wellbeing. We are currently seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

If you are passionate and want to make a positive impact in your community, then a role as a trustee can be rewarding and fulfilling.

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in:

Shaping our vision and strategy: Your unique perspective and expertise will help guide our future direction.

Ensuring good governance: You will contribute to responsible leadership and oversee the overall effectiveness of the charity.

Fundraising and advocacy: Your voice and connections can help us secure resources and champion the cause of mental health awareness and how we can support others.

We are seeking candidates who have life or work experience and who can make in promoting and delivering better mental health. All passionate individuals are encouraged to apply.

Becoming a Trustee is a rewarding opportunity to:

Use your skills and knowledge for a good cause.

Be part of a dynamic team committed to improving mental health services.

Gain valuable experience in governance and charity leadership.

We offer a flexible and supportive environment where your contributions will be valued. All we ask is a few hours of your time, experience and skills each month, attending our regular Trustee Board meetings.

Our Trustee Recruitment pack is here for you to download, and if you wish to apply, simply email our CEO with a supporting statement on why you are suited to the role, along with your CV to: paul.mills@wiltshiremind.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Gardening is more than just a hobby; it supports a healthy mind and body.

Immersing yourself in gardening is a potent stress reliever. The physical act of digging, weeding, and planting gets your blood pumping, boosting your mood and energy levels. As you witness your efforts bloom, a sense of accomplishment can be achieved, building confidence and self-esteem. Gardening isn’t just about tending to plants; it’s about tending to yourself.

Join us and help rejuvenate a sensory garden space at Greatwood Charity, Marlborough whilst meeting new people and enjoying the outdoors. We meet fortnightly for 2 hours, facilitated by our experienced Wiltshire Mind wellbeing team.

If you’d like to find out more, please email supportgroups@wiltshiremind.co.uk.

Wiltshire Mind is your county’s mental health and wellbeing charity.

Funding for this project has been provided by The National Lottery Community Fund – Thank you!

At Wiltshire Mind, we are dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing, and providing vital support across Wiltshire. This year was special to us, as it was our 30^th Anniversary as a local charity.

On behalf of our small team, I can genuinely say we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering support we receive from our generous donors, volunteers, and community supporters and partners. Your contributions make a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families facing the challenges of mental health.

Your generosity enables us to continue to deliver support

Your donations and grants enable us to deliver more support to more people. This expands our reach across our county and ensures essential services keep running in the face of the current cost-of-living crisis.

Your donations fund our Adult and Young Peoples Counselling, our Connect Groups, and help towards our new Schools Wellbeing Programme. Without your generosity, we would not be able to offer the lifeline of hope and support that so many need.

Our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our charity, tirelessly giving your time and talents to make a difference. Your compassion and commitment are truly inspiring.

Our valued community partners play a crucial role in raising awareness and donations, fundraising in innovative and fun ways – you are always there to help us.  

Together, we make a difference

Thanks to your collective support, we have made significant strides in raising mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and providing essential services to those in need during 2023. We have witnessed the power of your generosity.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your unwavering belief in Wiltshire Mind. Your support is invaluable, and together, we will continue to make a positive impact for better mental health.

On 16th December, the Rotary Club of Bradford-on-Avon presents The Corsham Band in Concert, featuring Soloist Josh Blake. This promises to be a fantastic evening, with refreshments on the night. It will be held at:

Holy Trinity Church, Bradford-on-Avon.
Saturday 16th December 2023 @ 7.00pm.

Tickets are £10 each and are available on the door, or by calling Andrew Huxham on 07714 222324.

Proceeds from the event are in aid of Wiltshire Mind, the county’s mental health and wellbeing charity. Each year, the charity helps around 300 adults and young people by supporting their mental health. The demand for support rises each year, and the charity relies on the generosity of supporters to help keep vital services running. (wiltshiremind.co.uk)

Every week 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem. In Wiltshire alone, there are around 70,000 people experiencing some form of mental health disorder. These statistics are eye-watering.

Wiltshire Mind provides support to the many people locally who experience mental health problems or emotional distress. We provide low-cost counselling for adults, and free counselling for children and young people aged 11+. We also run support groups, offering a safe a confidential space to share experiences and gain support and confidence.

As a local charity we receive all of our funding from our community. We are not commissioned, so we don’t receive any statutory funding. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and fundraisers, we are able to offer accessible support for everybody. Last year, our community raised £75,000 towards the cost of providing these mental health services.

We have seen a big increase in the need for support post Covid-19, and waiting lists have grown across all providers. To meet this growing demand, we need to raise £465 a day.

If you or your business are planning a fundraising event, thinking about a regular donation or planning on having a dedicated charity of the year, please do think of Wiltshire Mind. From corporate golf days to local cycle relays, cake and bake sales to raffles, live music events to sports competitions or even Christmas Jumper days, there are so many fun ways to raise much needed funds for mental health support locally. Check out our social media posts too for more ideas.

Why not email us today at fundraising@wiltshiremind.co.uk and find out a bit more about how you or your company can help make a difference in this mental health crisis. Every pound raised goes towards providing better mental health for our community.

Nobody should face a mental health problem alone. We need your help so we can be there.

If you’d like to donate to Wiltshire Mind, visit our Just-Giving page today. https://www.justgiving.com/wiltshire-mind.

Thank you.

Wiltshire Mind is holding its Annual General Meeting at 11.00am on Wednesday 8th November 2023 at Trinity House, Bryer Ash Business Park, Trowbridge, BA14 8HE.

We welcome all interested parties to our Annual General Meeting. Places are limited, so please register your interest.

To register your interest in attending, email stefankerwin@wiltshiremind.co.uk

This week is Local Minds Week.

There’s often some confusion about the difference between Mind and your local Wiltshire Mind charity.

We are an independent charity, which means we are here to provide mental health and wellbeing support to our Wiltshire Communities. We develop and run services that meet the needs of our county, and based on local feedback.

We help adults and young people by supporting their mental health.

All donations made to Wiltshire Mind go straight back into providing services. We don’t receive any funding from the government, local authorities, the care system or Mind, so we rely on the tremendous generosity of our communities to help us provide local services.

We offer low cost counselling, available to adults and young people. We also run support groups for anyone living in Wiltshire. And more recently we have introduced mental health support for schools across the county. We help organisations by providing mental health awareness training too.

Last year we helped over 300 people, supporting them with their mental health. Each year the demand for our services increases, yet the cost of living crisis and the recent pandemic has made it really hard for us to raise money to continue running our services.

We are proud to be part of the Mind Federation, but we really need your help too. If you can, please donate. Every pound makes a difference.

Wiltshire Mind – JustGiving – Donate here.

Wiltshire Mind – email fundraising@wiltshiremind.co.uk for more information.

#localmindsweek #wiltshiremind #mentalhealthmatters

“Music for the soul” was the title of the successful Warminster Philharmonic Orchestra’s summer concert last Saturday evening.

Torrential rain, grey skies and a strong breeze ushered the undeterred crowd into the Thomas Arnold hall. New and returning audience members were keen to enjoy the musicianship and beautiful sounds of some of the classical greats to lift their spirits whilst raising money and awareness for the Wiltshire Mind charity. 

Music is a universal language, understood by all cultures, ages and all types of people and there was definitely something in the evening’s programme for everyone. Opening with Serenade for Small Orchestra by local Welsh composer William Mathias to set the mood, the audience were then transported on a soundscape journey to Scotland for Hamish MacCunn’s, now popular, Land of the Mountain and the Flood. The first half concluded with a rousing waltz from Borodin’s famous opera Prince Igor leaving the audience satisfied with the famous ‘Stranger’s in Paradise’ theme tune singing pleasingly in their ears.

The second half opened with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, a musical request from the brass section, providing ample opportunity to show off the tuba, trombones, trumpets and horns at their best. The evening concluded with Bizet’s L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 celebrating with an encore of the Faradole often heard at the proms.  

During the first half, James Colquhoun, one of the trustees for Wiltshire Mind, introduced the work that Wiltshire Mind does. Talking about the way they support people who are experiencing mental health problems or emotional distress. This encouraged the audience to dig deep into their pockets and alongside the ticket sales and raffle monies, the Warminster Philharmonic Orchestra were delighted to donate £1025 to the charity at the end of the evening. 

Amanda Williams, founder and conductor of the orchestra comments “Music has the ability to put us all in the right frame of mind to achieve anything. Quite often our rehearsals fall on busy days but after a good play and a chocolate biscuit at break time, everyone feels buoyed, comforted and in good company.”

“We are now thinking ahead to our Christmas concert and commence rehearsals on Tuesday 5^th September at the Minster Church of St Denys. We are always delighted to welcome new musicians, without audition of approximately grade 5 and above standard and invite new players to join our warm and friendly group.”  

For more information about joining us go to www.warminsterorchestra.org.uk

calling 01985 216376 or emailing wiltshiremusicmaking@hotmail.com  or find us on facebook Warminster Philharmonic Orchestra.

Wiltshire Mind can be contacted by emailing: fundraising@wiltshiremind.co.uk