13/07/2023: New Mindful Village status awarded in Norfolk

Shipdham in Breckland is Norfolk's latest 'Mindful Village' after residents trained to become mental health community champions through the Breckland Mindful Towns and Villages programme.

Breckland Council launched the Mindful Towns and Villages programme in partnership with Norfolk and Waveney Mind and Wellbeing Norfolk and Waveney, in 2021. Part of the award-winning Inspiring Communities programme, the Mindful Towns and Villages programme has now trained over 300 community champions across the district.

The initiative offers free mental health training and awareness to Breckland-based community organisations and small businesses. Areas which engage with the programme as a community and put provision in place to enhance the mental health of residents, are eligible to apply for Mindful Town or Village award status. The training in Shipdham was attended by Breckland Council and Shipdham Parish Council Ward Members, Spitfire Scouts, local clergy, medical centre staff and employees from Falcon Cranes.

Cllr Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health & Communities for Breckland Council, commented: "I am delighted to see Shipdham has been presented with the Mindful Village accreditation. Vulnerable residents now have the chance to speak to local volunteers, who can help signpost and provide support and intervention before somebody's situation worsens'."

Cllr Lynda Turner and Cllr Paul Hewett, Breckland Council Shipdham Ward Members commented: "Mental health support is very much at the forefront of our decision making at Breckland Council. Our new mental health champions, supported by the great work from the Breckland Mobile Food Store, will ensure residents have access to advice and support when needed most. I hope our accreditation inspires other villages in the area to take up the training and support being offered by the Inspiring Communities programme."