New initiative to improve mental health support in Wrexham

A new initiative to help support the wellbeing of mental health patients upon discharge from hospital, is now in place in Wrexham.

Mental health development agency Unllais are working in partnership with Heddfan Unit staff at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital on the new project, which is aimed at showcasing the range of community groups and mental health support services available to patients in their local communities.

Patients are being encouraged to link in with these organisations after being discharged from hospital in order to help them to continue to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

The first of a number of planned engagement events organised by Heddfan Unit staff and Unllais recently took place.

Patients were given the opportunity to take part in craft activities, learn about the Wrexham Library service and speak to a range of organisations about their groups and services.

Hannah Luhde-Thomson, Improvement and Partnerships Development Officer at Unllais, said: “Loneliness, inactivity, and a lack of structure impacts on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing.

“By promoting and supporting engagement in community activities and third sector mental health organisations we aim to increase confidence and self-esteem, encourage the development of supportive relationships in the community and the learning of new skills.

“These events are crucial to show patients the range of community resources and services we have in Wrexham and Flintshire. Meeting staff and volunteers from these organisations, at this stage, will help a person to approach and make contact with an activity or resource when they go home.

“It’s really good to raise awareness for staff who work in the unit and community teams too.”

Sean Clarke – Adult Mental Health Service Manager for North East Wales, added: “Here in North East Wales, we acknowledge the key role that our partners play in supporting health and wellbeing in non-medical settings and the plethora of services that are offered.

“Our staff and patients were positive in their feedback of the event and it was really pleasing to see people coming together and appreciating the services they provide.

“I’d also like to thank Hannah Luhde-Thompson from Unllais and her colleagues for facilitating the event.”