Clarity Counselling approached Great Torrington Town Council in 2018 to discuss a Great Torrington support group for people struggling with their mental health. A similar group, called ‘Let’s Talk’ was run in Barnstaple.
‘Let’s Talk’ creates a safe and welcoming place where people with mental health issues work with counsellors and other members of the group to improve their individual wellbeing. They also gain positive outcomes through working as part of the group, supporting each other and building friendships. The group, which meets for 2 hours each week, provides benefits not only for the clients, but also for their families, friends and society at large. It’s a positive way of helping some of the most vulnerable and isolated in the community.
Work on the project had to stop in March 2020 due to Covid-19 measures but relaunched on 4th November with 4 clients and one counsellor. The sessions take place in a Covid-19 compliant venue, large enough for participants to feel relaxed.
One client has expressed that they were grateful the group was back on. They’d had a particularly challenging time during lockdown and knew that if they’d had the platform available to them then they would have received the support needed to navigate some of those challenges. They’re over the moon to have it available again.
The Clarity team have distributed posters locally and promoted the session through social media; they are expecting the number of clients attending to increase as covid-19 starts to subside and remain open to support those clients attending.
Great Torrington Town Council has currently agreed to fund the costs of the service until 31st March 2022, including the costs of counsellors.
Cara Stobart, County Officer for the Devon Association of Local Council said ‘This is a fantastic example of one of the ways parish councils are supporting the health and well being of their communities. Mental health services have been under pressure for a number of years, so its wonderful to see community based activities coming on board to bridge the gap. This project will no doubt help these individuals and their families to thrive.
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