As part of the NHS Mental Health Transformation Programme that WACA have been involved with, the support for people experiencing difficulties with their Mental Health in Wharfedale has increased as Mental Health Connect are now delivering additional sessions for those with more specific mental health issues.

‘Fresh’ peer support group sessions, which run on Wednesdays 11.00 – 1.00pm at Christchurch in Ilkley, are specifically for those using alcohol or unprescribed drugs regularly in everyday life. In Fresh sessions (which are facilitated by Missing Peace), participants are encouraged to share, listen and support other members in similar situations in a relaxed and informal environment.

Mental Health Connect also delivers a weekly support group at Christchurch on Thursdays 10.00-12.00pm, which forms part of the Wharfedale Wellness Together initiative. This mental health support group provides assistance for anyone living with anxiety, stress or depression.

Looking ahead to September, Missing Peace will also be leading on a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) programme for Mental Health Connect. This 12-week course helps participants to discover simple, safe and effective tools to create and maintain wellness with a daily plan and wellness goals, as well as developing a plan to keep moving forward should plans get disrupted.

For more information on the support available and to be referred, visit https://mentalhealthconnect.org.uk/