We’re proud to support POhWER!
20 May 2021
Mental Health Awareness Week may be over, but it’s essential that the focus on mental health continues – problems don’t just go away when the ads stop and the email footers change.
We have many ways we support our people at Wilsons, but what if you don’t work or have no Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing Policy to fall back on? We need to ensure this vital support is provided to the most isolated in our communities too.
2 in 5 people felt their mental health suffered during the COVID pandemic. As lockdown is easing, we will be supporting POhWER Nottingham to enable them to restart their highly successful, volunteer run, EmPOhWER Peer advocacy groups that are especially relevant to those with mental health issues. They great news is that you can help.
POhWER is a charity and membership organisation providing information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion. They empower people to have a voice, make choices, uphold their rights and make a positive difference to their lives and work, working with them to plan and deliver the services that matter to them.
Peer advocacy refers to support provided by advocates with a similar disability or experience and can be very beneficial in supporting people adversely affected by their mental health. It builds trust as the peer relationship is founded on equality. It also challenges the discrimination and stigma attached to mental illness. A peer advocate is a good role model and shows recovery can be a reality.
EmPOhWER groups are welcoming, empowering support groups for people with a shared experience and common understanding of mental health. The groups are confidential, free and non-judgemental.
Before the pandemic, POhWER held monthly groups in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and were about to start a women only group. These face to face groups will restart as soon as it’s safe and appropriate to do so.
We are proud to be supporting POhWER through a donation to facilitate these groups, in order to provide vital support to the most isolated in the community. If you would like to show your support too, they’d love you to get in touch!
Contact Sonia Burns, Community Development Work at [email protected]
Tel: 0300 020 0093
Web: www.pohwer.net