"PEER support is when people use their own experiences to help each other," explains Berni Durham-Jones, workplace well-being manager at the Mold offices of mental health charity North East Wales MIND.

"It can happen on a one to one basis, online or in a group and it may involve a range of activities such as crafts, walking or even just meeting for a coffee, but what we do know is that coming together with people experiencing similar problems can really help."

Research shows that every year 1 in 4 people experience stress, anxiety, depression or another type of mental distress. That means over 59,000 people in Flintshire and Wrexham are likely to be affected this year alone. It's MIND's aim to help these people, giving them practical advice and assistance to recover from mental health problems and stay emotionally healthy.

Three years ago, the Side by Side programme was set up by MIND in partnership with Bipolar UK and Depression Alliance, after they were awarded £3.2 million by the Big Lottery Fund. The programme aims to increase access to peer support across England, find evidence of its effectiveness and encourage local services to offer peer support.

In addition, the nationwide pilot scheme explored the benefits of peer support for people with mental health problems, looking specifically at befriending, mentoring and support groups or forums for people struggling with their mental health.

The project helped train volunteers to reach hundreds of people struggling with mental health issues across the region and whether it be meeting for a much needed chat, providing practical help or sharing tips for how to stay well, volunteers will be there for people in communities when they’re at their lowest.

"The range of groups we can help is really wide," continues Berni, who has organised an event explaining what peer support is, undertake a wellbeing activity and network with other community based organisations.

"It's their programme and we will support them with whatever they want supporting with. It can be from a group that need football equipment or one that wants to learn how to sing. If you already provide peer support or you're interested in running a peer support group we can help.

"We're running free training and networking sessions where you can see how others have successfully run groups and find support from others in your area.

"We are offering small grants to support you with your group. This money could be used for things like venue hire, leaflets, materials for activities, amongst other things."

Berni is clear that the advantages of peer support

"If people are suffering from mental health problems or they know people who are, having a support group made up of peers can actually enable them to really deal with their issues," she says. "They're connecting and they're with people and there are probably a lot of organisations that can tap into each other and help each other in different ways. We want to get them networking."

North East Wales MIND are also currently promoting another project called 'My Generation' - a free eight week programme for people over 50 which aims to improve wellbeing, build resilience and reduce isolation and loneliness.

In 2018 My Generation ran in every local health board area in Wales with 79% of participants experienced an increase in their wellbeing. 78% continued to experience improved wellbeing three months after the end of the course.

Berni says: "Over the eight sessions, you can learn all about staying mentally well while enjoying activities, spending time with others, and finding ways to make connections with your community.

"Activities vary, but could include crafts, talks or gentle exercise and you'll also have the chance to learn about other projects in your area that could help you, and find out how you can help others."

Berni identifies challenges like leaving work, loneliness, money worries and bereavement as particular factors that can affect older peoples' wellbeing.

"There are so many issues and I think society today is very geared towards not spending time together," she says. "I feel more disconnected in what is a more connected world. It's very easy to lose you confidence especially when it comes to going out and meeting new people. We also want to help people who are isolated rurally and it's a programme that's been really received in other parts of the country,"

Over the years, MIND has been offering a growing range of activities in Wrexham, from a friendly drop-in for a cuppa and a chat to creative arts and green groups. Previously based at the Hightown Community Centre and more recently Ty Pwb, the charity will soon be opening a new hub at the end of June at AVOW's offices on Egerton Street.

"There has been a need for something in Wrexham for a while," explains Bernie. "We did a scoping exercise a few years ago and it's been in development as we wanted to offer similar sorts of facilities and resources as we do in Flintshire.

"We will be dealing with a very different set of issues but we are open to everyone and we won't turn anybody away. Hopefully as we progress and grow we will be able to offer more and more."

Overall the future seems bright for MIND and their work in north east Wales and Berni has noticed a sea change in people's attitudes towards mental health in recent years.

"The landscape is changing for the better and people are for more open now about their mental health," she adds. "We want to normalise the issue so we talk about it the same as if we had a broken arm.

"There is still stigma, especially with men, but hopefully we are breaking down the barriers and the more men who talk about the better. Opening up saves lives."

To find out more contact Berni Durham-Jones at berni.durhamjones@newmind.org.uk or call 01352 974430 / 07897300456.