We connect minds

A listening ear for the community of Brecon

Launched in October 2022 with the support of the Powys Social Value Forum, Brecon and District Mind’s Community Listeners Project provides an introductory session followed by two full day training courses that set out to build a network of people who can give skilled, strength-based, and empowering listening support in their communities.

The training is free to attend and has been hailed as “magical” and “life-changing” by those who have attended, with many examples of participants putting the training into practice through friendships, volunteer roles, and their paid employment.

Immediately when I interacted with my family, things seemed to change. There was a different feel to the way we spent time together.

Gerwyn, Community Listener

What has the project achieved?

The project has taken learning and recommendations from the pilot. It continues to be delivered in partnership with Credu, a young carer and adult support organisation, under the title of ‘People Powered Change’. This is thanks to the support of the Bevan Commission’s Exemplar Programme and Powys Teaching Health Board’s ‘Innovation and Improvement Community of Practice’.

52 people benefited from the project, developing and practicing their listening skills.

30 volunteers gave over 200 hours of their time to support project delivery.

100% of people asked reported that the project helped to improve their health and wellbeing.

100% of people asked rated the project as good or excellent.