Supporting Girls in Mental Health Wards
Helen Gwenllian is among those responsible for preparing support packages for girls in psychiatric wards during Mental Health Awareness Week. A team from Landysul is distributing bags to girls in these wards to ensure they are not overlooked.
"Often these girls do not receive get-well cards, there is no support, and due to stigma, no one asks about them," said Helen Gwenllian, one of the organisers behind the initiative.
The project, named 'Golau Gras, dolen allanol', is connected to Eglwys y Ffynnon in Llandysul. Many of the women involved in assembling the bags have personal experience with mental illness.
"Reflecting on the story of Jesus speaking to the woman at Samaria, we have been considering who feels on the margins of society. Although stigma has lessened with increased mental health conversations, many girls in mental health wards can feel very lonely.
"The process of entering mental health wards can be distressing, and while some want to show care, stigma sometimes makes it impossible to reach those who are unwell," Helen added.
The bags will be distributed this week to two mental health wards.
Workshops Prepare Support Packages
In recent months, several workshops have been held to prepare the packages for girls in the Morlais and Cwm Seren wards within the Hywel Dda Health Board.
The packages include fluffy socks for warmth, a chocolate bar, a 'Get Well Soon' card, a notebook and pen to record their journey, lip balm, skin cream, and a personal note.
"Nurses on the ward say the note, which conveys that there is life after being on the ward and that the package is from those who have been there themselves, is more important than anything," Helen Gwenllian said in this week's edition of Pwrw Golwg.
"Many of us know how dark and hopeless it can feel on the ward, and I believe hearing from others who have been there and are now happy can be a powerful message."
One Jumper Sold Funds Each Support Bag
Helen Gwenllian is currently on a sabbatical year training to become a church worker.
To fund the bags, the group of women sells Golau Gras sweatshirts, with the sale of one sweatshirt covering the cost of one support bag.
"Previously, I was a workaholic and a perfectionist. The bar was set high, and I was never reaching it, always moving the goalposts," she said.
"But now my faith shows me how important it is to accept support and to support others.
"Certainly, one way to do this is to reach the girls on psychiatric units and start these conversations with others.
"Already, as we sell the sweatshirts, some have shared mental health experiences or spoken about relationships that have gone through difficult times, and that is so important."
Artist Designs 'Get Well Soon' Cards
Artist Lois Adams has helped design the 'Get Well Soon' cards included in the packages.
The bags will be distributed in the Morlais and Cwm Seren wards during the week. The Golau Gras team hopes to expand the initiative across Wales so that no girl in a psychiatric ward feels "forgotten."
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