"Do what you Love." - PVOY Health & Wellbeing Winner 2021

This year our Powys Volunteer of the Year awards was held online for the first time. Volunteers from across the county were nominated for the amazing work they do to support our communities, sharing their time, energy and devotion with the communities they live in.  There were four main categories for our judges to choose winners from, Arts & Health, Governance, Environment and Health and Wellbeing. In a year like no other we had two special tributes to all of those people who volunteered and went above and beyond in extenuating circumstances. 

We also had a very special Ian Charlesworth Award in remembrance of our dear friend and previous Chair Ian Charlesworth, who passed away in April 2020.  Ian was extremely proud to have been associated with PAVO as a trustee and director for over 20 years.  He was a passionate advocate of volunteering and the power of communities.  Ian was involved in Powys Volunteer of the Year from the start and his enthusiasm for the competition was indefatigable. 

Our Powys Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony can now be viewed online via YouTube-PVOY21

In this blog we interview Gareth Thomas, our Health and Wellbeing Award winner, and asked him to share his thoughts on the benefits of volunteering and wellbeing. 

What gave you the idea for your online rugby interviews?

I decided during lockdown, people were “missing” other people. I felt if we could bring people together during a hard time and bring them “stars” of the rugby world into their homes, it could only help people connect.   It was unique as it was live on air.

How did you decide who to interview?

I started with Shane Williams as I know him at it just snowballed. We had guests asking to come on the show in the end. A lot of guests helped get other guests, it was remarkable and showed why rugby is such a magical game.  

What was the most rewarding thing to come out of the interviews?

Knowing we had helped others, viewers saying their own “mental health” had benefitted.  Also putting the club and area I love on the world map.

How do you think people benefitted from watching the videos?   

They felt connected, they had access to stars they wouldn’t normally have access to, live in their houses.  I had people dropping gifts at my house thanking me for helping them, its then you know you are making a difference and its worth it.

It became like a virtual rugby club for some people, viewers made new friendships and strengthen existing friendships.

What is the most valuable thing you have learnt about mental health?  

Look after yourself, talk, “be positive and be kind” is my motto.

What inspires you to volunteer?   

My wife and the area we live in, giving back to an area that has given me so much.

What is the best thing about volunteering for you?  

Knowing that you have made a difference to others.

What was it like to be nominated for a Powys Volunteer of the Year Award?  

I was totally gobsmacked when I had the letter. It was nice to be recognised but for me it was about putting Ystradgynlais RFC on the map and helping others.

Can you tell us what winning the PVOY 2021 Health and Wellbeing award was like? 

 I was shocked as the other people in the category were all winners, every volunteers deserves a pat on the back. I was very emotional about winning as the last 18 months have been tough for so many people, so the award is for all of those who have struggled.

If you had one top tip, or piece of advice about wellbeing what would it be?   

💓Do what you love 💓

The Ins and Outs of Problem Gambling

 

GamCare is an independent charity and  the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Great Britain.They offer a wide menu of free, flexible and confidential support to those affected by gambling problems, as well as a range of training, outreach and risk reduction programmes.

We asked Urtha Felda GamCare outreach officer for Wales to tell us more about the support services provided by GamCare. 

Anyone can be affect by problem gambling

Tell us  a little bit about  GamCare

We are aware that organisations are likely to encounter individuals who are negatively impacted by their own, or someone else’s, gambling behaviour.

GamCare is an independent charity and we are the leading provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling across England, Scotland and Wales. We offer a wide menu of free, flexible, and confidential support to those affected by gambling harms. We support around 40,000 each year through our Helpline and treatment services.

Our team can support your clients to change their relationship with gambling and improve their quality of life through face to face, online and telephone therapeutic interventions. There is no wrong door to accessing our treatment services – clients can refer themselves, or you can do this on their behalf.

Why do people gamble?

“Why do I gamble when it causes so much damage?” 

“Why can’t I just stop?”

“Why am I putting myself through this?”

The answer is rarely a simple one.

Many people gamble as a fun past time, but for many others gambling can become a serious problem.

It can sometimes feel like the urge to gamble is completely out of their control. Many people find themselves unable to explain why they continue to gamble despite the problems it causes in their everyday lives.

You may be tempted to say ‘for the money’, perhaps for that ‘big win’, but this rarely the whole truth. When the gambler wins, more often than not they spend their winnings on gambling more, and keep going until they have nothing left. This can leave them feeling trapped, like there is no way out of the cycle.

Problems with gambling can often represent problems elsewhere in someone’s life. Perhaps they tend to gamble at certain times, or when they begin to feel a certain way – as a way of escaping from something else they are not ready to deal with yet. Gambling may also have been a part of someone’s life since they were young, and can make them feel safer for a short time.

 Who is affected by problem gambling and gambling related harm?

Anyone can be affect by problem gambling. If someone lives with problem gambling then other people connected to them will also be harmed by the consequences of problem gambling.  1/3^rd of families of problem gamblers do not have enough money to buy food or pay for rent.  Problem gambling leads to debt, poor mental and physical health, family breakdown and suicide ideation.  Other people affected could be colleagues, friends, or family.  GamCare series are available for anyone affected,  information, advice and support is available today. 

Problem gambling leads to debt, poor mental and physical health

Are there any particular groups of people in society who are most at risk from problem gambling

There are many explanations as to why people develop gambling problems.  We know there are some groups more at risk of becoming vulnerable to problem gambling than others.  People living in areas of high deprivation are more at risk, anyone experiencing poor mental health, people who have lived with traumatic experiences, a child growing up in a problem gambling household is 4 times more likely to develop problem gambling as an adult.  This is not an exhaustive list, nor do all vulnerable people develop problem gambling.  Looking at risk factors is helpful to assist us in identifying people who may be a risk.

What effects does gambling have on the health and wellbeing of the family of an problem gambler? 

The impacts for families is wide and includes debt, poor mental health, family breakdown, homelessness.  The trauma of losing one's home can leave lasting anxiety issues, as does the stress of not knowing when someone may gamble again.  Problem gambling is recognised as safeguarding issue, because the impact on the family and children is so wide.

Problem gambling affects families

What barriers might prevent people from accessing gambling support and how do you work to overcome those?

Lack of knowledge is the biggest barrier to accessing services.  An increased awareness by health and support professionals would assist others accessing the help on offer, and getting the treatment needed today. other barriers could be that a person does not recognise the problem, or is in denial, or due to the stigma they feel too ashamed to come forward and ask for help.

The right environment sending the message that no one will be judged because of their gambling, and that this is a safe place to talk about gambling, will help people share the problem and access the help they need.

Are there particular issues which arise in rural areas like Powys for people with problem gambling?

The biggest issues in rural areas is accessing the right services – this is equally so for problem gambling support, especially when gambling is less recognised as a health problem..  Statistics across the health range show a higher health inequality for rural areas.  Being a gambler in a rural area has been shown to increase a number of risk factors, in particular the likelihood of suicide.

CAB can help with both debt and addiction counselling.

Do you work closely with any  other organisations or statutory services to provide support to people?

GamCare has a strong relationship with CAB debt advice service.  Anyone experiencing problem gambling will benefit for both debt and addiction counselling.

To access support today…

Phone the National Gambling Helpline 24/7  0808 8020 133

 aragamblingservice@recovery4all.co.uk

 0330 134 0286.

A particularly inspiring example of someone  that has recovered from problem gambling is Kelly.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_bYyQ1SWw

If anyone would like to discuss accessing support they can contact  Urtha Felda at GamCare 

by Email  Urtha.Felda@gamlcare.org.uk

 or

by phone 07869 998110

Self Injury Awareness Day

Guest Author, Sarah Dale, Powys Mental Health Citizen rep for Powys  shares her poignant and informative blog, discussing the importance of Self Harm Awareness, as we approach Self Injury Awareness Day on March 1st.

Our Guest Author & Citizen rep Sarah Dale raising awareness of Self Harm 

Self Injury Awareness Day – Sarah Dale

My name is Sarah and I am one of the mental health service user representatives (https://www.powysmentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved/meet-your-reps.html) . On the 1^st of March it is Self-Injury Awareness Day, and mental health professionals and organisations from across Powys will be joining me in raising awareness about this very difficult topic. I'm asking you to help me in tackling the stigma, and making it easier for people to reach out for help.

Self-Injury Vs Self Harm

Many people use the terms self-harm and self-injury interchangeably. That's fine, but to be technical, self-harm is an umbrella term for behaviour that causes direct harm to oneself, for example alcohol abuse or eating disorders. Self-injury falls under that umbrella. Self-injury, according to LifeSIGNS is 'any deliberate, non-suicidal behaviour that inflicts physical harm on the body with the aim to relieving emotional distress.'  The intention of Self-injury is to release tension and seek relief from distress. This can quickly become a harmful coping mechanism.

My Story:

I am comfortable talking about my mental health, my borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression and eating disorder. I still find self-injury a difficult topic to talk about especially in a world where blame is put on the person who self-injures. Those who know my story have said to me that I’m pretty well-adjusted for what I have experienced in my life. They understand how self-injury has become a coping mechanism, when I had nowhere else to turn. I shouldn't have to dig up my past to justify my reaction to others. I shouldn’t have to repeat the same things over and over.

Myth-busting:
First of all, it isn’t attention seeking. I do everything I can to hide it and I feel guilty when my close family and friends find out.

Secondly; no, I don't enjoy it. That is like saying that people with tattoos enjoy the pain. Self-injury is a means to an end. I need the intrusive thoughts and feelings to stop. It is also not a suicide attempt.

It’s not just a teen thing. Self-injury can affect anyone at any time in their lives, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race, religion

Finally, I am not a danger to you or your family. I'm more of a danger to myself than anyone else.

When I hear these views regularly, it's easy to see why many people suffer in silence and are too scared to reach out for help. So this year for Self-Injury Awareness Day I am going to try to be brave and talk about self-injury open and honestly. Will you join me?

My Experience:
For me as I began to recover from my anorexia I replaced it with self-injury. I did it in places on my body where people wouldn't see. I think I kept it hidden for a while, however I’m not sure when my family found out.

The first time I asked for help regarding my self-injuring it didn't go down well.  The health professional demanded to see my self-injury marks and when I refused I was called a stupid child. Then they grabbed my arm to try to roll up my sleeve. I snatched my arm back and ran out of the building to the car where my mum was waiting. This experience made me too scared to reach out to anyone else, even when I probably needed to got to Minor Injuries or A&E. It also meant when I needed check-up or flu jabs I was too scared to go because of the reaction to scars the people give you. It’s either a look of pity or disgust.

A lot of people turn to online support because there isn't any specific Self Injury support in Powys. It is difficult to find these websites but when I did, it was really helpful. Before that I used social media which as you probably guess wasn't particularly positive and was very triggering.

It is this experience that led me to wanting to help combat the stigma around self-injury. Over the years mental health awareness has increased. But certain topics are still very taboo and are difficult for people to talk about or understand. Self-injury I feel is one of those topics. People brush it off and resort to the myths I discussed above.

Why do people self injure?

Why do people do self-injure?
Self-Injury is a way a person can express deep distress without others knowing. Turning emotional pain into physical pain, as physical pain is easier to deal with than emotional pain, as it seems more ‘real’, valid and easier to take care of. Self-injurious behaviour may calm, numb or awaken a person.

However, the effects of self-injury are only temporary and does not deal with the underlying issues. It is a coping mechanism (albeit a negative one), that can become an automatic response to daily stresses, and can escalate in severity. There are factors that make a person more likely to turn to self-injure such as, low self-esteem, perfectionism and high achievement, poor body image, trauma and abuse. However, the bottom line is that self-injury is a coping mechanism, and anyone who has anything distressing to cope with might potentially turn to self-injury.

This is why we need to be able to talk about self-injury in the open.

Raising Self Injury awareness in Powys
In my role as a mental health service user representative, I was at the National Mental Health Forum, and we were looking at suicide and self-harm prevention. I found that the legislation did not have much on self-injury prevention which really surprised me as myself and people I have spoken to, self-injury has been used to prevent suicide and quieten suicidal thoughts and feelings. Despite the legislation pushing for education and awareness about the subject it is still a very taboo subject.

Currently, Public Health Wales are looking at a document I wrote called ‘Self-Harm Reduction.’  The idea is that the document will be given to people who self-injure and contains all they need to know, what is self-injury is, self-injury alternatives, Harm Reduction, first-aid, went to go to Minor injuries/A&E, your rights when seeking help, self-injury support websites.

Also over several months I have made hundreds of orange ribbons and,  with the support of Powys Teaching Health Board,  I visited Newtown and Welshpool Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) and gave all the staff a ribbon. I spoke about my experience and the idea that when a person sees the orange ribbon they can feel safe talking about self-injury without fear of judgement. The reaction from a health professional can set the tone for whether a person will seek help when needed. My own terrible experience has made me too scared to go to the GP or Minor Injuries Unit when I probably need to. The support for the project from the staff was amazing and many asked questions about how to approach the subject from a service user perspective. They are all now proudly wearing their orange ribbons as you can see in the pictures.

Welshpool Community Health Team

By March 1st all CMHT staff elsewhere in Powys will have an Orange Ribbon for Self-Injury Awareness Day. I also want to extend this to CAHMS, Crisis teams, and other health board staff.

What Can You Do?
I am encouraging everyone to get involved with ‘Self-injury Is..’ social media campaign, to educate and raise awareness for Self Injury Awareness Day on 1^st March. The printable images can be found on the Black Cat Project Facebook page, where I keep people up to date with all my adventures as a mental health service user rep. If somebody is showing signs of self-injury, please use one of the resources below to find out how understand better what that person is going through, and how you can help.

I can recommend the LifeSIGNs website. LifeSIGN have long been supporters of Self-injury awareness day, raising awareness and providing a wealth of support and information about Self Injury. 

http://www.lifesigns.org.uk/what/

http://www.lifesigns.org.uk/who-self-injures/

LifeSIGNS is the user-led small charity creating understanding about self-injury. It’s our continuing mission to guide people who hurt themselves towards new ways of coping, when they’re ready for the journey.

Black Cat Project – My Facebook group which offers support locally to Powys - https://www.facebook.com/blackcatproject/

Useful Links:
Self harm UK -www.selfharm.co.uk
Self harm UK is a project dedicated to supporting young people impacted by self-harm, providing a safe space to talk

Recover your life - www.recoveryourlife.com
One of the biggest  worldwide Self-Harm Support Communities on the internet. They support people suffering with Self Harm and other issues such as Eating Disorders, Mental Health problems, those dealing with Abuse.

National Self Harm Network - www.nshn.co.uk

Support individuals who self harm to reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life. Support and provide information for family and carers of individuals who self harm.

Self Injury Support - www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk

Self injury Support is a national organisation that supports girls and women in emotional distress. We particularly help women who harm themselves 

Mental Health Awareness Week 2019

Are you body happy? This year's Mental Health Awareness week focused on the importance of body image and mental health. My colleague Jackie Newey and I made this short video to raise awareness of the impacts of body image on our mental health. 

You can find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week and Body Image on the Mental Health Foundation's website.