250 mental health champions for Breckland
They'll work with businesses
Last updated 16th May 2021
Breckland Council has released £15,000 which will see a network of 250 new Mental Health First Aiders and Community Mental Health Champions trained and operating in the district. The announcement comes during Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs 10-16 May.
The enhanced mental health resourcing is part of a new partnership between Breckland Council, Norfolk and Waveney MIND, the NSFT Wellbeing Service, and YANA - the rural industries mental health charity, to establish a Breckland Mental Health Community Partnership.
Over the next 2 years, the partnership will deliver a variety of Mental Health First Aid and Awareness courses to small businesses, local 'grass roots' groups, and community organisations, in the development of a 250 strong network of Mental Health 'Community Champions'
The mental health training will help empower these employees and community volunteers to better understand mental health, how it can affect overall wellbeing, the potential triggers and signs of mental health issues, and how best to signpost residents to the range of support available.
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, commented:
"I'm delighted that through our Inspiring Communities programme we are able to fund training for up to 250 new mental health champions, which will ensure our communities have a resilient and robust support network that residents can access in their workplace or local community to maintain or return to positive mental health." The council's Inspiring Communities programme which is leading this project, is making a real difference in our community, investing £1 million over three years, supporting residents needing local mental health support and advice, whilst also tackling social isolation and loneliness, County Lines and dealing with domestic violence."
Lady Dannatt, Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk commented:
"As Patron of both YANA (You Are Not Alone) and MIND, Norfolk and Waveney, I commend and most warmly congratulate the pertinent and essential forward thinking of Breckland Council. Making funds available for the training of 250 MH First Aiders is an outstanding action in itself, recognising as it does Breckland's absolute commitment to supporting those of all ages and all backgrounds presenting with symptoms of mental ill health. Apart from anything else, it opens a conversation, and without question, lives will not only be changed but lives will be saved as a result. I remain indebted to YANA, to MIND but most of all to Breckland Council for being prepared to help make a difference."
Kelvin Colbourn from The Wellbeing Service commented:
'We are really impressed with Breckland Councils commitment to helping those that maybe struggling with their mental health. We look forward to supporting and training the new Community Mental Health Champions, who in turn can help give people the tools they need to increase their own resilience."
Ashley Bunn, Director for Strategy and Business at Norfolk and Waveney MIND added:
"We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Breckland Council, YANA, and NSFT Wellbeing on such an innovative initiative. Norfolk and Waveney Mind is busier than ever with 60% of adults and young people who did not experience poor mental health before the pandemic now experiencing mental health issues. We look forward to helping to support Breckland Council in providing healthier business and community environments to ensure that with the right support and resources, everybody can create a life that feels meaningful irrespective of the presence of symptoms."