£60,000 donation to support mental health charities in Wales
Two charities providing specialist mental health support to communities and school children in Wales will share a £60,000 donation from Wales & West Housing Group.
Adferiad and Place2Be will each receive £10,000 per year for the next three years.
Adferiad provides help and support to people with mental health, addiction, and complex needs, helping them to achieve a better quality of life. It has offices in North and South Wales.
Place2Be delivers mental health services for children in 12 schools in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf, led by a qualified counsellor embedded within each school.
Peter Harding, Chair of the Board of Wales & West Housing Group, said: “The mental health crisis in Wales is one of the most pressing issues facing the nation, so it is fitting that we have chosen to support two charities working in this field this year.
Adferiad Chief Executive Alun Thomas speaking to staff from Wales & West Housing Group
“Wales & West Housing is more than just a housing provider. Our staff work with residents in our communities as they go about their daily lives.
“Some may experience struggles with mental health which require specialist support so we know how vital the work of charities such as Adferiad and Place2Be is.
“We hope that our donations will go some way to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society at a time when they need it the most.”
Alun Thomas, Chief Executive of Adferiad, said: “As funding becomes more scarce, charities are finding it more difficult to provide services other than those they are contracted to provide.
“This generous donation will help us to be more flexible and provide extra support for individuals where we see a need.”
“The mental health crisis in Wales is one of the most pressing issues facing the nation, so it is fitting that we have chosen to support two charities working in this field this year.”
Peter Harding, Chair of the Board of Wales & West Housing Group
Catherine Roche, Chief Executive of Place2Be said: “Thanks to the incredibly generous support of Wales & West Housing Group, we can now reach children with the help they need right when it can make the biggest difference.
“By working in partnership with school communities we can build the net of support around children and young people – equipping teachers and parents with expertise, building children’s resilience and providing more specialist evidence-based support through our skilled professionals.
“With 1 in 5 children now experiencing mental health challenges, this support means we can step in early to foster emotional wellbeing, cultivate coping skills and prevent lifelong struggles, thereby creating a future where every young person feels supported, understood, and able to thrive.”