Nick Thomas-Symonds MP joined forces with Mind in Gwent for this year’s World Mental Health Day 2025 to highlight the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing, and to raise awareness of the support available for residents across Torfaen.
World Mental Health Day takes place every year on 10th October, with this year’s theme being ‘access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies’. It’s a reminder of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in it.
Mind in Gwent was formed in October 2023 with the merger of Torfaen & Blaenau Gwent Mind, Newport Mind, and Mind Monmouthshire, allowing for strengthened services, pooled resources, and a more consistent offer of mental health support across Gwent, while maintaining a strong local presence across the different counties.
The Mind in Gwent Torfaen office is located on George Street in Pontypool and provides emergency counselling support for individuals in crisis, vital work that is made possible by the continued support of the Daniel Jones Memorial Fund, and a range of wellbeing support services. Whether you’re feeling low, anxious, lonely, or just need someone to listen— Mind in Gwent are here to help.
Drop-in Mental Health Support service is a safe, welcoming place that offers:
- Friendly mental health advice and support
- Help with finding other services and local opportunities
- A calm place to talk and feel heard
- Fun and relaxing therapeutic activities, including Gardening, music therapy, arts and crafts, and wellbeing workshops
In addition to drop-in mental health support, Mind in Gwent offer free and practical housing advice on managing bills, dealing with landlords, or preventing homelessness, our teams are ready to listen and assist.
Businesses and organisations can also access bespoke mental health training with customised sessions to support staff wellbeing and create more inclusive workplaces.
Nick Thomas-Symonds said: “It was good to meet with staff at Mind in Gwent here in Torfaen about the services they provide to residents, and how we can work together to support people across Torfaen.
World Mental Health Day is a good opportunity to highlight the importance of people’s mental health and wellbeing, and the vital role charities like Mind in Gwent play in helping those who are struggling.
I know that sometimes people need to speak to a mental health professional when they are going through a difficult period, so I’m delighted to see that there is a range of support available.”
Stephanie Healey, Head of Counselling and Wellbeing Services at Mind in Gwent said: “We are grateful to Nick for making time to visit our services on World Mental Health Day, and for highlighting how important good mental health provision is for members of our community in Torfaen and across Gwent.
Mind in Gwent is committed to creating mentally healthy communities through information, services and campaigns to help everyone access metal health support when they need it.”