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During 2025, Guernsey Mind is aiming to build upon the successes of its Workplace Partnership and Supported Self Help programmes, both of which were launched to great effect over the past year.
With the ultimate aim of supporting the people of the Bailiwick, to encourage a positive attitude towards mental health, and supporting mental wellbeing, the charity offers a number of different services and training opportunities.
As the Express charity of the year we were pleased to support Guernsey Mind in this work, highlighting developments throughout the year.
"This year was one of change for Guernsey Mind, highlighted by the launch of two major initiatives: the Workplace Partnership and Supported Self Help," said Amanda Hibbs from the charity.
"Since its launch in February, the Workplace Partnership has seen encouraging success, with 11 businesses joining the initiative. This programme is dedicated to fostering supportive and mentally healthy workplaces through real, achievable, and measurable actions.
"We work with partners to produce a comprehensive survey which workplaces can then use to develop meaningful action plans based on tangible data, ensuring impactful change."
The Workplace Partnership offers a number of resources including training and support for members.
"The Partnership has allowed us to focus on areas that will make meaningful change. We can measure if our current wellbeing initiatives and policies are having a positive effect, where we need to focus our efforts, and what we are currently doing well," shared a Workplace Partnership representative.
The Supported Self Help programme, which launched in April 2024, offers a free early intervention service for individuals aged 18 and over.
This initiative provides six one-to-one sessions with a trained practitioner, helping participants develop a personalised wellbeing toolkit.
"Over 250 individuals have already benefitted from initial appointments, prompting us to expand our team with an additional Supported Self-Help practitioner," said Ms Hibbs.
"I really enjoyed my supported self-help sessions – it felt good to be able to talk about issues and then be given the tools to use in day-to-day situations to help with anxiety. It has been very beneficial to me and has made a huge difference to my quality of life," expressed a participant.
Also in 2024, Guernsey Mind ran the first Suicide Support Journey conference in conjunction with Talking Benches and Guernsey Samaritans, with guest speakers from Suicide Bereavement UK. The event was sold out with over 90 people attending. This was followed with specific ‘Responding to Suicide’ training for local emergency services.
Like all third sector organisations, which rely on charitable donations to fund its services, and the work of volunteers along with staff, Guernsey Mind experienced challenges as well as successes during 2024.
"Despite these successes, Guernsey Mind continues to face challenges, particularly in resourcing and funding," acknowledged Ms Hibbs.
"As a small team, our staff consistently go above and beyond to provide exemplary support. We remain committed to ensuring the necessary resources are available to promote positive mental health attitudes and support mental wellbeing across the Bailiwick."
When Guernsey Mind was asked about their aims for 2025, the charity said its future priorities rely on the successes already achieved.
"Looking ahead to 2025, Guernsey Mind plans to build upon the successes of the Workplace Partnership and Supported Self Help programmes," said Ms Hibbs.
Pictured: The Guernsey Mind Gower Sunrise Walk of Hope was one of its events during 2024.
The charity is also very conscious of its position in the community at a time when the island is looking towards a new political era, and what that can mean for everyone.
"As we head into an election year, we will be looking to canvas prospective candidates and move mental health support and awareness further up the agenda," said Ms Hibbs.
"We aim to further increase awareness around mental health and wellbeing and ensure our services remain open and accessible - no referral is needed to contact Guernsey Mind.
"Through continued dedication and community support, Guernsey Mind hopes to make 2025 another year of positive impact in mental health."
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