A GWENT mental health charity has re-launched its wellbeing centre in Pontypool, which was declared open by the Mayor of Torfaen. Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent Mind, formerly Pontypool Mind, provides a host of services to people suffering from mental health issues and their families, but also the wider community.

One of the aims behind the centre’s re-launch is to create an environmental, open to all, where mental health issues can be discussed without the associated stigma.

“It’s brilliant to have it open once again and it is something that Pontypool needs, to allow people to have somewhere to talk about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with it,” said recovery worker Josh Iles.

“The centre is open to everyone, you don’t have to be diagnosed with depression, stressed or anxiety. It is all about promoting the idea of well-being,” said Jess Richardson, Mr Iles’ fellow recovery worker.

Cllr Giles Davies cut the ribbon yesterday morning, to declare the wellbeing centre re-open for service users, featuring a café, on George Street in Pontypool. “Across Torfaen, across Gwent and across Wales, we recognise that one in four of our community is suffering from a mental health issue. We are trying to open the doors to these people,” said director Emma Hammonds.

“We are working in co-operation with our sister centre in Brynmawr, which operates the Phoenix Project. The sessions we run in Pontypool, like our social events, will be alternated with those in Blaenau Gwent on differing days,” said Denise Suckling, the charity’s operations manager.

For more information, visit torfaenmind.co.uk or call the Pontypool centre on 01495 757393 or the Brynmawr centre on 01495 311445.