26/08/2025: Banham becomes latest Breckland Mindful Village

Breckland Council is thrilled to recognise Banham as a Mindful Village, celebrating the local community's commitment to wellbeing, inclusivity, and supporting residents.

This accreditation is part of Breckland's Mindful Towns and Villages programme, which was launched in 2021 to champion increased mental health and wellbeing support in our towns and villages through grassroots engagement. Enabled by the Breckland Mindful District Partnership, it provides communities with free specialist training, boosting their confidence in holding safe conversations around mental health.

Breckland Council has worked closely with Norfolk County Council, Banham Village Community Hub, and Banham Parish Council to provide invaluable services that support the local community. Among the initiatives praised by the council is Banham's weekly Community Café, which offers free refreshments, arts and crafts, book and jigsaw swaps, and a raffle, while also serving as a food bank collection point. The café also provides an opportunity for socialisation, helping to combat loneliness and isolation in the community. 

Additionally, Banham Village Hub delivers Movement for Wellbeing classes suitable for all ages, seasonal events such as a Christmas lunch and Easter Bunny hunt, and inclusive craft projects that invite contributions from across the village.

Banham has also played a vital role in wider district initiatives, such as Breckland's Warm Packs scheme, which distributed free hats, gloves, and hot water bottles to vulnerable residents during the winter months. During the school holidays, Banham Village Hub provides a free breakfast for children.

Councillor Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health and Communities, said: "We are delighted to welcome Banham as Breckland's newest Mindful Village. This initiative aims to recognise towns and villages already taking steps to support the well-being of their residents, while equipping them with additional tools and training to strengthen the services they provide.   

"This is part of our commitment to our Inspiring Communities programme, which aims to address vulnerability and inequality in our district, enabling our residents to live safe, healthy lives. The essential work undertaken by the Banham Village Community Hub has helped us get closer to this goal, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with them for many years to come."

Pam Spicer, Chair of Banham Village Hub, added: "The award of Mindful Village status to Banham is a fantastic endorsement for over 2 years' hard work by our Committee and Volunteers in growing Banham Village Hub into what it is today. It has created community togetherness and shows how separate bodies can work both together and in partnership to promote the wellbeing of the entire community.

"We are proud to have witnessed the numerous friendships that have been forged or rekindled at our café and our events that promote wellbeing through togetherness, and we look forward to exciting new developments in the coming months. Our motto is 'By the Community, for the Community.'"

To find out more and apply to become a Mindful Village, go towww.breckland.gov.uk/mindful-towns.