15/03/2025
Good afternoon everyone what a lovely day at The sanctuary. I just wanted to keep you all updated, I almost finished The list, of support and wellbeing all thanks to Jen, our local community coordinator for helping comprise this list, its long but it shows all the hard work that gos into supporting individuals who live in the valley. It’s so long I will have to break it up into three chapters,and turning it into a booklet might be the best option. as I have always felt Strongly that this information should be kept together, and made available to everyone living in the valley so this will be one of my goals for this year.
At The sanctuary we understand that healing is a process or journey and is individual to that person, so If you can’t find anything on the list that’s helpful to you but you have an idea then you’ll always have a place at The Sanctuary.
So my list/booklet just needs the seal of approval from everyone and all my Facebook followers may benefit from this information right now, so please let me know what you all think, if anything needs adjusting or If i have forgotten anybody. 🤔 I definitely forgotten people. please feel free to comment below.
The other goal is to get the land ready and clear of rubbish before the end of the summer so the kids from Nantymoel primary school can come and plant some trees with me. 🌲😆 oh and goal 3 is to tag everyone on this list. Lol😮💨
Wellbeing Resources and Support within the valley.
The list
1
finding a good GP is essential in your healing, journey so first on the list is finding a doctor who truly supports your physical and mental well-being. A good GP will assist with blood tests, referrals, examinations, and medication, helping to guide you on your health journey.
2
Next, I recommend Claire from Ogmore Pharmacy. Claire is a treasure in our community, offering a wealth of knowledge, She can prescribed and help you with various health concerns. Many people aren’t aware of her expertise, but she is a vital resource, helping ease the workload of the GPs. Make sure you utilize this service.
3
Jen, our local community coordinator, has been an absolute rock for me. Her extensive knowledge and professional experience in supporting individuals is truly remarkable. She goes above and beyond to ensure everyone has the resources they need to thrive. I can’t emphasize enough how much she cares for this community and how invaluable her support is. Sorry, I can’t be specific of what she does because she does everything. Whatever you need, Jen knows exactly where to direct you and will guide you every step of the way. This is also a free resource. She also helped me put this list together. So thank you very much for all your support.
4
In this list, we have information about counseling services, including both free and paid options. Only services that have been tried and tested, and come highly recommended, will be advertised here. This ensures you receive consistent and sustainable support for as long as you need.
5
Forest2You
Michelle is a fantastic outdoor mindfulness and mental health support practitioner. Who contagious laugh will keep you laughing and smiling all day, She has been The Sanctuary top fan since we started. She is always welcome and has an open invitation to whenever she needs to use the land for her workshops, mindfulness sessions and bushcraft classes.
6
The Sanctuary Community forest and This space itself is another important resource. It’s a place to relax,, socialise or simply enjoy the wildlife around you.
We’ll have a community area where you can sit and just absorb the peacefulness of nature.
Gardening will offer a gentle form of exercise, helping to boost your heart rate and improve your physical and mental strength, This space is about coming together, finding solutions to any difficulties we face, and building a network of support within the valley.
To thrive, I believe we need three things:
* Support – From both friends and professionals.
* Food – Not just any food, but nutritionally rich, homegrown food. There will be a cooking area where we can cook, eat, and share laughter.
* Exercise – light exercise Will increase your physical and mental strength. 💪
Additional Support Resources:•
7
Ogmore valley Su***de Awareness CIC
OVSA offers valuable courses and support groups focused on mental health and su***de prevention. Knowledge is key, and they provide crucial services to those in need.
8
Employability Bridgend is a service that supports individuals in the Bridgend area by providing assistance with job searching, training, and career development. They help with writing and updating CVs, preparing for interviews, and improving employability through various training programs. The service also offers tailored support for people facing specific challenges, such as disabilities, mental health concerns, or other personal barriers to employment. Additionally, Employability Bridgend connects individuals with other relevant community services, such as housing support and financial advice. This free resource aims to empower individuals by helping them gain the skills, confidence, and support they need to secure employment and thrive in their careers.
9
Baobab Food Pantry provides food for just £5 a bag, with no means-testing. Which means anyone can use it. If you struggle with grocery costs or have difficulty accessing stores, they will deliver supplies to you. This is available at the Bowling Green in Nantymoel every Thursday morning.
10
Ogmore Vale Fire Station
As well as keeping us safe from fires, ogmore fire station also have a beautiful community garden and has a very supportive role within the community, i’m really excited what they have planned for the 2025. They’re also recruiting right now so if there’s anybody interested this could be an amazing job for someone.
11
Mikes walk and talk group
Are a great way to meet new people and find the most stunning local views. They meet monthly from Halo.
12
The Local Charity Shop/Drop Shop offers affordable clothing and is an excellent resource for the community. Shopping here is a way to meet new people and find some amazing bargains.
13
Lads and Dads, Men’s Sheds, supporting men’s mental health is a hot topic and the more local organizations working together the bigger the impact. So again open invitation to any charities, organisations that would like to use The Sanctuary
14
The bothers cafe
Esther and the family are very supportive and have donated, food, cake, drinks and soil to the sanctuary. We have been welcomed with open arms, even with muddy wellies on. Every time I step into this cafe I feel happier, the atmosphere and the home-cooked food is outstanding. And Esther makes the best home-cooked soup I have ever tasted.
15
Pobl this is for Under 55yrs they will help with anything housing related. Pobl is a service offered by Pobl Group, a social care and housing provider in Wales. This particular service supports people who are facing mental health challenges, homelessness, or other complex needs. Pobl provides housing-related support, helping individuals find and maintain accommodation while also offering tailored support to address their mental health and well-being.
The service aims to empower people to live independently and improve their quality of life by offering practical assistance, emotional support, and guidance on issues like budgeting, managing mental health, and accessing other services. Pobl works closely with individuals to help them achieve their personal goals and improve their overall mental and physical health.
16
Sycamore services this for the Over 55yrs
Sycamore Services is a mental health support provider based in Wales, offering a range of services to help individuals facing mental health challenges. They provide one-to-one support, focusing on emotional well-being and practical guidance, as well as opportunities for social inclusion through community engagement and activities. Additionally, Sycamore Services helps individuals with personal development, including building confidence and job readiness, and offers crisis support for those in need. The overall aim is to empower individuals to manage their mental health, build independence, and connect with the resources and community they need for recovery.
17
Advice link cymru 08082505700
Link Cymru is an organization that provides advice and support for individuals and families in Wales. They focus on offering free and confidential advice on various issues such as housing, benefits, debt, employment, and social services. Their goal is to help people navigate complex systems and make informed decisions to improve their well-being. Additionally, they often work with local organizations to ensure individuals have access to the right resources and services.
18
Ty elys counselling services you can get referred by your doctor or you can self refer by phoning this number. 01656 786486 Ty Elys Counselling Services offers professional counseling and therapeutic support to individuals in the Bridgend area who are dealing with various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. They provide a safe, confidential space for individuals to explore their emotions, gain insights, and work through personal difficulties with the help of trained counselors. The services are designed to promote mental well-being and emotional resilience, offering both short-term and long-term counseling tailored to individual needs.
19
Mind-CTM - cwm Taff morgawg this is online Service. Mind Cymru is the Welsh branch of the mental health charity Mind. It provides support, information, and resources for people experiencing mental health issues in Wales. Mind Cymru works to raise awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and improve services for individuals facing mental health challenges. They offer helplines, advocacy, and advice on various mental health topics, including stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Mind Cymru also campaigns for better mental health services and supports individuals in understanding and managing their mental well-being.
20
mental health matters offering counselling, £10 per session. This is an absolutely brilliant service which is affordable, Mental Health Matters is a charity that provides support and services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Mental health matters are also in the Wyndham boys and girls club every Tuesday 11 until 1pm
They offer a range of services, including emotional support, mental health advocacy, and practical help. Their goal is to promote mental well-being, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to take control of their mental health. They often work with local communities to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and ensure that people have access to the resources they need for support and recovery. They also provide a confidential helpline and support groups for those in need.
21
BACP counselling, this site has a large directory of counselling, therapy services, so it’s easy to find somebody that fits you.
22
NHS Inform for information of any health conditions.
23
Shelter, Cymru provides information advice and support, to help people to identify the best options to prevent homelessness. Shelter Cymru is a charity in Wales that provides free, confidential advice and support for individuals facing housing issues, including homelessness, eviction, and housing disputes. They offer expert guidance on legal rights, finding suitable accommodation, and accessing financial support. Shelter Cymru also works to raise awareness about housing problems and campaigns for better housing policies in Wales. Their services aim to help people secure stable housing and improve their living conditions while ensuring that individuals understand their rights and available options.
24
Discretionary housing payments and discretionary assistance fund. You will find information on gov.uk page.
25
Carers centre is in the brothers cafe once monthly. They help individuals caring for loved ones and their families offering support and advice.
26
Halo we all know, exercise essential to our health and Ogmore leisure centre has numerous exercise classes that start from £2.50 such as yoga and tai chi.
27
TEDx Nantymoel if you have a story to tell and you think it could help people then TEDx Nantymoel Nantymoel will help you tell your story.
38
Ogmore Valley pride have been around for awhile, and everybody is aware of how much of a brilliant job they do, if you are proud to live in the valley and you want to help, you can volunteer.
39
Keep Nantymoel tidy is a brilliant way to make a difference in the valley. It’s so therapeutic, they do a brilliant job in keeping Nantymoel tidy, and clean for everyone.
30
New pathways 01685 379310 this is a phone counselling services. New Pathways is a charity based in Bridgend, providing support services for individuals affected by sexual violence and abuse. They offer a range of confidential services, including emotional support, counseling, advocacy, and helplines for survivors of sexual assault, both recent and historical. New Pathways also provides practical assistance, such as helping individuals navigate the criminal justice system or access specialist medical care. Their goal is to empower survivors, promote recovery, and raise awareness about sexual violence, while offering a safe space for people to heal and rebuild their lives.
31
Special Families is a charity based in Wales that provides support for families of children and young people with additional needs or disabilities. They offer a range of services, including advice, information, and emotional support, helping families navigate challenges related to education, healthcare, and social services. Special Families also organizes social and recreational activities to help build a supportive community for families, while offering advocacy services to ensure that families’ voices are heard in decision-making processes. Their aim is to empower families, reduce isolation, and improve the quality of life for children with special needs and their families.
32
The Integrated Autism Service (IAS) Cwm Taf Morgannwg provides support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region of Wales. The service offers a range of services, including information, advice, and guidance on understanding and managing autism. They provide tailored support for individuals, families, and professionals, helping to improve daily living and social inclusion. Additionally, IAS offers workshops and training sessions to increase awareness and understanding of autism within the community. The goal is to improve the lives of individuals with autism, offering support and empowering them to live independently and fully participate in society.
33
Mark, also known as Mags has made a big impact in the valley. He is the founder of men’s wellbeing in our community. If there was one person in this valley that has made the biggest impact on Men‘s mental health then it would be Mark. I recently found out, he also has a neurodwise group meetings monthly next meeting is on the 17 April 6-7:15pm
34
Pain management
There’s several services and programs available to support individuals with pain management. These services aim to help people cope with chronic pain conditions, improve quality of life, and provide strategies for managing pain effectively. Some options include:
* Bridgend Pain Management Service: This is a specialized service that provides support for individuals experiencing long-term pain. It typically includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain relief techniques, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and advice on lifestyle changes and medication management.
* Community Pain Clinics: These clinics, often part of local NHS services, offer assessments, treatments, and personalized plans to manage pain. They may involve multidisciplinary teams that include doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, and pain specialists.
* GP Practices: General practitioners (GPs) can provide initial assessments and referrals to pain management services. They may offer medications and suggest non-pharmaceutical treatments to help with manage pain.
* Voluntary and Support Groups: Various local support groups and charities, such as the Arthritis Care Wales or Chronic Pain Support Groups, offer peer support, advice, and information on managing chronic pain.
* Physiotherapy and Complementary Therapies: Some private physiotherapy clinics in Bridgend also offer treatments for chronic pain, including manual therapy, acupuncture, and other complementary therapies.
Number one! Your pain is real and These services aim to support people in managing pain, improving their functional abilities, and enhancing overall well-being. If you’re seeking specific help, it be a good idea to speak to your GP for a referral to the most appropriate local service. I really hope that this information is helpful to your health journey
Thanks for reading
