World Mental Health Day : Supporting Mental Wellbeing and Social Inclusion

On World Mental Health Day, we celebrate the resilience of individuals supported through the Working Sense programme — an initiative delivered across Conwy, Denbighshire, and Flintshire by the Centre of Sign, Sight and Sound.   The programme provides person-centred support to those facing barriers related to mental health, learning needs, and social exclusion, helping them take meaningful steps toward recovery and employment.

Rebuilding Confidence After PTSD and Anxiety

One participant joined the programme with severe anxiety and PTSD. Despite her academic and life achievements, she felt disconnected from society and lacked the confidence to commit to activities. Her journey began with a courageous step: approaching the Working Sense team at a public event.

With regular support from an Employment Advisor and Wellbeing Officer, she gradually rebuilt her confidence and independence:

• Completed a Digital College course on Dealing with Anxiety, which helped her manage emotions and gave her a sense of achievement.
• Attended Welsh language sessions and completed the ‘Croeso’ course, improving her ability to engage with the local community.
• Volunteered with ENGin, supporting a Ukrainian learner via Zoom — a role that enhanced her digital skills and self-worth.

 

Overcoming Social Anxiety and Isolation Post-Lockdown

Tim * relocated to North Wales during the COVID-19 lockdown, leaving behind his job and relationship. The isolation that followed had a profound impact on his mental health, and he became socially withdrawn. Even after restrictions lifted, Tim struggled with social anxiety and found it difficult to leave the house.

Initially reluctant to engage with the programme, Tim was supported through a flexible and empathetic approach:

• He was reassured that support would be tailored to his needs, helping him feel safe and understood.
• Gradually, he began to re-engage with the outside world and take steps toward improving his wellbeing and employability.

Thanks to the funding and collaborative effors of the local authorities, Working Sense as helped individuals to:

• Improve their mental wellbeing and emotional resilience.
• Gain confidence to pursue new opportunities.
• Reduce social exclusion through volunteering, training, and travel support.
• Develop digital, interpersonal, and language skills.
• Reconnect with their communities and build brighter futures.

Why it Matters

These stories show that recovery is possible when support is flexible, compassionate, and locally delivered. On World Mental Health Day, we honour the courage of these individuals and the impact of inclusive programmes like Working Sense — made possible through UKSPF investment and local authority collaboration.