Mind Cymru’s 2024-2025 Impact Report: Making mental health support accessible across South Powys
People living in South Powys deserve access to mental health support – “no matter who they are, or where they are.”
That was the message from Brecon & District Mind at the launch of the latest annual impact report from Mind Federation in Wales, Mental Health is Everything, Everywhere, Everyone. The report highlights the vital work of the 15 independent Mind charities across Wales, alongside national support offered through Mind’s helplines and online peer support platform.
Marie Davies, CEO of Brecon & District Mind, joined representatives from other local Minds at the event, emphasising the importance of accessible mental health support in local communities.
The report, covering April 2024 to March 2025, reveals the scale and breadth of work delivered by local Minds across Wales:
- Local Minds provided more than 160 different services to communities, supporting 32,246 people with their mental health.
- Volunteers contributed £670,815 worth of time to support local services.
- Mind’s four helplines received 1,710 calls from Wales, with 37% referred to their local Mind for further support.
- Volunteers in Mind charity shops across Cardiff, Llandudno, Prestatyn, and Rhyl contributed £332,253 worth of time, generating £277,770 in income.
Gethin Amoss, Community and Development Manager at Brecon & District Mind, said:
“These figures show the many ways local Minds are helping people get the right support at the right time. Here in South Powys, we are committed to making sure anyone who needs mental health support can access it, whether that’s through our community services, advice, or online resources.”
Brecon & District Mind also plays a key role in the In-Work Support Service (IWSS), developed in partnership with Mid and North Powys Mind and Mind Ystradgynlais. Funded by the Welsh Government, IWSS provides mental health support to employed and self-employed people across Powys, helping them to stay in work while managing their wellbeing.
The service offers up to six tailored sessions after self-referral, including:
- 1-to-1 mental health support
- CBT-based Supported Self-Help
- Counselling
- EMDR therapy for trauma
- Physical health support such as osteopathy and physiotherapy
IWSS also supports small and medium-sized businesses with training, policy guidance, and wellbeing advice to create healthier, more supportive workplaces.
Impact in Powys:
- 222 people have been supported, with referrals continuing to rise.
- 114 people from 18 businesses took part in over 25 health and wellbeing training sessions.
- 59% said the support was instrumental in helping them stay employed.
- 62% reported an improved ability to work.
- 12% saw an increase in working hours after receiving support.
Brecon & District Mind has also partnered with Brecon High School to tackle the “missing middle” of young people who often feel unsupported when they need help most. Backed by funding from a local supporter, the service is designed with young people, for young people, and is the only dedicated resource of its kind in the area.
The programme includes a wellbeing group for pupils in Years 7 to 11, offering six weekly workshops covering topics such as stress, anxiety, self-esteem, sleep, and low mood. Resources come from trusted Mind materials, including workbooks and guided self-help tools.
A weekly lunchtime wellbeing walk is open to all pupils, and assemblies raise awareness of mental health across the school. Support is also available to teachers, creating a whole-school approach to wellbeing. Most pupils are referred by their teachers, but self-referral is also possible. Brecon & District Mind is now piloting similar work with other local schools, including a SEND school.
Marie Davies added:
“Being part of the national Mind network allows us to bring the benefits of collaboration, expertise, and shared experience to Brecon and the surrounding areas. Initiatives like the In-Work Support Service and our pupil wellbeing programme make a real difference locally, helping people stay well at work and young people thrive in school.”
Posted on: 30th January 2026