At MHM Wales, we believe that true wellbeing extends beyond clinical care—it’s about community, connection, and creativity. Over the past quarter (October–December 2024), our Wellbeing Services have supported 109 individuals through a range of life-changing programmes, enabling people to develop resilience, express themselves, and feel empowered. With a total of 803 attendances recorded, the impact of our work is clear.
From music therapy and creative arts to peer support and conservation projects, our Wellbeing Hubs and Groups provide a vital space for people seeking support, companionship, and purpose. Here’s how we are making a real difference in the lives of those we support.
Guitars for Veterans:
More Than Just Music
Music can be an incredibly powerful tool for improving mental health, and our Guitars for Veterans Wales programme is a fantastic example of this. Originally set up to support military veterans, the programme is now open to all adults who may benefit from learning the guitar as a therapeutic activity. Participants progress at their own pace with online tutorials and weekly in-person sessions where they can meet others, play together, and receive guidance. Over time, the group has developed a strong sense of peer support, highlighting the positive impact of shared experiences.
Breathing Space: Creativity for Wellbeing
In partnership with Tanio, our Breathing Space programme offers a welcoming space for individuals to explore their emotions through creative arts. Sessions include poetry, songwriting, interactive activities, and music appreciation. With a focus on meeting the specific needs of participants, this initiative enables people to express themselves in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Melody Makers: Building Confidence Through Song
Singing has been shown to have significant benefits for mental and physical wellbeing. Our Melody Makers group provides a supportive space where people can enjoy singing together. This quarter, participants have grown in confidence, choosing songs themselves and developing harmonies and multi-part arrangements.
Wellbeing Hubs: A Vital Lifeline
Operating in Ogmore Vale, Blaengarw, Porthcawl, and Bridgend, our Wellbeing Hubs offer a vital space for individuals who may otherwise feel isolated. These hubs provide social interaction, peer support, and practical workshops designed to improve emotional and physical wellbeing. Activities range from arts and crafts to quizzes, pool, darts, and board games.
The hubs have also welcomed professionals and community organisations who provide valuable advice and support, including South Wales Police, local PCSOs, BAVO Community Navigators, and social care teams.
Art Matters: Creative Expression and Support
Not everyone finds it easy to talk about their emotions, and our Art Matters group provides a space where people can express themselves through creativity. This quarter, the group has taken a user-led approach, with participants choosing how to use the available art materials and sharing ideas with each other. Looking ahead, an art psychotherapy student will be joining us for a four-month placement, running weekly group sessions for those who would like to take part.
Wellbeing Walks & Conservation Group: Connecting with Nature
Our Wellbeing Walks and Conservation Group offers participants the chance to enjoy nature while benefiting from gentle exercise and social support. The group visits a range of locations, from coastal paths to community routes, providing a varied and engaging experience. Meanwhile, our Conservation Group, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council and Llais y Goedwig, works to restore and maintain local green spaces. This quarter, the group has been particularly active in Bedford Park, Cefn Cribwr, developing a not-for-profit plant nursery and restoring woodland habitats.
Reconnecting with Nature: A Community-Led Initiative
Thanks to funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund, our Reconnecting with Nature project in Merthyr Mawr has been extended until March 2025. Meeting twice a month, this initiative enables people to get involved in conservation efforts while enjoying the wellbeing benefits of spending time outdoors.
Empowering People Through Learning
Education can be a powerful tool for self-improvement, and our collaboration with Adult Learning Wales (ALW) has enabled us to offer an Emotional Intelligence Level 1 accredited course. This quarter’s course was fully booked, and we are pleased to be running another in January 2025.
Measuring Our Impact: Real Lives, Real Change
To assess the effectiveness of our services, we use the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS). This quarter’s results show meaningful progress in several key areas, including ‘dealing with problems well’ (+26%), ‘thinking clearly’ (+31%), and ‘feeling good about myself’ (+23%). While challenges remain—particularly around optimism for the future—these findings indicate that our Wellbeing Hubs and Groups are playing a vital role in stabilising and improving mental wellbeing.
A Life Transformed: M’s Story
M, a 21-year-old participant, started attending MHM Wales groups in November 2024 following a period of significant distress. After struggling with anxiety, depression, and self-harm, she was signposted to our SHARE self-harm peer support group and later joined the Wellbeing Hubs and Art Matters group. Through these services, M has found a sense of belonging, a creative outlet, and valuable peer support. Despite ongoing challenges, she now feels more confident in discussing her mental health and is deeply grateful for the support she has received.
“The people working at MHM Wales really care about you. They support you and help you through hard times.” – M
A Future of Hope and Connection
MHM Wales’ Wellbeing Services provide more than just activities—they offer vital support networks that help people regain confidence and find purpose. As we move into the next quarter, we are excited to build on this success, expand our services, and continue making a lasting impact in the lives of those who need us most.
Whether through music, art, or simply the comfort of a shared conversation, MHM Wales is proving that mental health support is about much more than just managing symptoms—it’s about enabling people to live full and meaningful lives.
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