Louise Craik
I would like to introduce myself, My name is Louise and I started up Shadows Depression Group in Glanamman, Ammanford Carmarthenshire South West Wales on Monday 16th January 2017.
I decided to start this group, due to the lack of Support groups in this area. Over the last few years, 3 members of my immediate family have experienced and still experiencing the effects of Depression. Due to the lack of support within the region, this motivated me to start up the group up to ensure our community has more support for Mental Health.
Before setting the group up I contacted the local GP’s, Community Mental Health Team, Local Council and all the local Mental Health Charities in the area, such as Mind and Hafal and also in regular contact with The Royal College of Psychiatrists.
We advertised Shadows Depression Support Group opening evening on local radio and in the community. We had an excellent response from the local services and community establishments. I continue to liaise with the Glanamman county councillors who are totally on board with the project and also provides us with support. Shadows is aimed at supporting people who experience Depression and any other Mental Health difficulties, and the people who support them.
We currently we have about 25 service users who all experience difficulties under the Depression umbrella.
We have had a number of guest speakers since opening up in January 2017 and have delivered various courses to assist in management of Depression. We have excellent communications with the Local GP Surgeries, Job Centre and Police who regularly visit Shadows and also refer people to the service.
Our aim is to support any person and their family and friends who may be going through these difficult times.
I decided to start this group, due to the lack of Support groups in this area. Over the last few years, 3 members of my immediate family have experienced and still experiencing the effects of Depression. Due to the lack of support within the region, this motivated me to start up the group up to ensure our community has more support for Mental Health.
Before setting the group up I contacted the local GP’s, Community Mental Health Team, Local Council and all the local Mental Health Charities in the area, such as Mind and Hafal and also in regular contact with The Royal College of Psychiatrists.
We advertised Shadows Depression Support Group opening evening on local radio and in the community. We had an excellent response from the local services and community establishments. I continue to liaise with the Glanamman county councillors who are totally on board with the project and also provides us with support. Shadows is aimed at supporting people who experience Depression and any other Mental Health difficulties, and the people who support them.
We currently we have about 25 service users who all experience difficulties under the Depression umbrella.
We have had a number of guest speakers since opening up in January 2017 and have delivered various courses to assist in management of Depression. We have excellent communications with the Local GP Surgeries, Job Centre and Police who regularly visit Shadows and also refer people to the service.
Our aim is to support any person and their family and friends who may be going through these difficult times.
