In partnership with Wokingham Borough Council, a new wellbeing service delivered by Oxfordshire Mind, is hosting a series of regular, free forum events to bring the Wokingham Borough community together to discuss mental health and wellbeing needs. The Wokingham Wellbeing Service will host its first two forums on Thursday 15 and Tuesday 27 July between 2pm and 3:30pm.
Residents who have completed mental health first aid training are invited to attend the ‘Mental Health First Aiders in Wokingham’ forum on Thursday 15 July to share experiences and challenges, and to discuss how their invaluable skills, both individually and collectively, can be used to help Wokingham Borough residents suffering from mental health issues. To book free tickets at the first virtual forum, visit the Event Brite website.
On Tuesday 27 July, the ‘Mental Health & Wellbeing Community Alliance’ forum will be available to voluntary or community sector (VCS) organisations or groups that have a focus on improving mental health and wellbeing within Wokingham Borough. Facilitated by Oxfordshire Mind, the Alliance will help develop and integrate the local VCS offer of mental health and wellbeing provision for residents. The aim of the Alliance is to improve the experience of people accessing mental health and wellbeing support. Organisations from VCS organisations or groups can book free tickets at this virtual forum by visiting the Event Brite website.
“Partnering with Oxfordshire Mind on this fantastic mental health and wellbeing pilot scheme will provide residents with an efficient and effective service that offers quality support, at the right time. We have a duty to protect the vulnerable, and the two forum events are an excellent opportunity for those who have an interest or work in services to improve wellbeing, to get involved and help their local community.”
Charles Margetts, Executive member for adult social care and public health Chancellor
“We’re really excited to begin this next phase of the project – it’s a privilege to be able to support the Wokingham community to identify and respond to local mental health needs in such a collaborative way. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all our partners across the borough for their continued support with launching the new Wokingham Wellbeing Service.”
Claire Shropshall, Oxfordshire Mind’s Wokingham Primary Care Wellbeing Project Manager
Wokingham’s Wellbeing Service is an eighteen-month pilot project dedicated to help Borough residents suffering from mental health issues, including anxiety, isolation, and stress. The scheme was initiated by a generous donation of £250,000 to the Berkshire Community Foundation from a Remenham family earlier this year. The scheme will focus on recognising mental health issues early and intervening to prevent conditions deteriorating, ensuring timely referrals to specialists, coordinating the support available for those with mental health issues and promoting awareness issues within Wokingham Borough.