16/03/22: Mental health training will support rural residents

Over 25 residents from East Harling have been trained to be Community Mental Health Champions as part of a training scheme offered through the Breckland 'Mindful Towns' program

The scheme is led by Breckland Mental Health Community Partnership, which includes Breckland Council, Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney, Norfolk and Waveney Mind, and YANA - the rural mental health charity
 
Now fully trained the community mental health champions will be able to spot mental health concerns within people in the local community, and signpost them to other support. Participants can also now supplement their learning with optional follow-up developmental opportunities, including networking with other community champions to ensure best practice is being delivered across Breckland. 

Cllr Alison Webb, Executive Member for Housing, Health and Communities at Breckland Council, said:" Our Inspiring Communities programme is a £1 million investment, supporting the wellbeing of all Breckland residents. Developing 250 Community Mental Health Champions through our 'Mindful Towns program' is exactly the type of initiative we want to fund and see flourish via the Breckland Mental Health Community Partnership.  Congratulations to the East Harling residents who took part in this recent training event, which will benefit local residents for years to come."

Kate Filby, Parish Clerk for East Harling, who attended the training, commented: "I've really enjoyed participating in the Mental Health Community Champions training and feel it has taught me a whole set of new skills that I can use to support others within our amazing local community. There were a lot of residents who spoke to me Saturday who are wanting to take up further training and offer support here in the village. Offering support at a local level will I'm sure encourage more people to come forward and seek help."