The Breckland Mindful District Partnership (BMDP) was established in 2021 and includes both training providers and mental health support services that residents can access. The partnership supports our Mindful Towns and Villages programme, which promotes a community-led approach to mental health by upskilling Community Champions to hold safe conversations and signpost to appropriate support.
Endeavouring to make Breckland a 'Mindful District,' communities can achieve Mindful Town or Village status by participating in free mental health awareness training and taking meaningful action to develop mindfully-focused community activity within their local areas.
If your organisation offers specialist training or provides a valuable service that supports wellbeing, we would love to hear from you.
As a Mindful District we recognise that mental health is diverse, and we have expanded the conversation to include additional priorities that impact a person's mental health.
Enabling communities to develop a compassionate approach to end of life and promote improved health and well-being for anyone affected. We want to reduce the stigma around mental health when experiencing end of life care, bereavement, and grief, and support communities to implement social changes and develop their status as a Compassionate Community.
Mindful Towns and Villages are welcoming and inclusive for all ages, encouraging residents to stay active and contribute to their communities. Recognising the importance of physical and mental health in later years, Age Friendly Communities is evidence-based and globally recognised, helping to creating communities that are better places to age.
Our Partners
To find out more about each partner or to access their services, please follow the links below.
If you have any questions about Mindful Towns or would like to become a partner, please contact us: community@breckland.gov.uk
Becoming a Mindful Town or Village
How do we become a Mindful Village?
All 5 market towns in Breckland have achieved the 'Mindful Town' status and we are excited to support our parishes to be recognised as Mindful Villages. Every community should have the opportunity to become 'Mindful' and we want to celebrate steps that communities take towards improved mental wellbeing.
Criteria:
Train minimum of 2 Mental Health Community Champions
Organise or expand at least one mindful activity
Encourage open conversations which reduce the stigma around mental health
Normalise offering help
Additional information:
Community Champions should be well placed to identify and engage in conversation with anyone needing support with their Mental Health, and after completing a free training session from the Breckland Mental Health Partnership, should be confident to signpost to appropriate clinical or community support.
Community Champions could be from local sports clubs, the pub, small businesses, community organisations, the parish council, or individuals in the community. Find out more about the training on our webpage. or contact us to discuss bespoke training.
Mindful activity can be any activity to support a person's wellbeing and could be a mindfulness walk, gratitude board or tea and talk sessions. If you need some inspiration, contact us to discuss your ideas.
Encouraging open conversations in your area could involve creating a supportive environment within physical or online spaces, or dedicating a quiet area for confidential chats.
Normalise offering help and reduce the stigma of reaching out by readily sharing physical and digital resources. Other initiatives could include setting up a hardship fund or befrienders club for peer support.
Apply for Mindful Town or Village status
Checklist
Minimum of 2 trained Community Champions
Delivering a Mindful activity
Actively encouraging open conversations
Proactively offering help where appropriate
The lead for your group or parish should complete the application form below. Successful villages will receive a pack of resources to promote their Mindful Towns and Village status.
Mindful Towns Community Champions use the skills and knowledge they learn on our free training courses, within the settings of the community groups, businesses or organisations they represent. They are well placed to identify those who may be struggling with their mental health and are available to provide support.
They will learn how to hold safe conversations with anyone who might be struggling with their mental health, and where to signpost them towards appropriate support.
The role of Community Champion is not a substitute for professional help, but our free training courses give communities the knowledge and confidence to recognise a person in need and act appropriately to support them.
If your chosen course is full, please e-mail us your details to go on the waiting list: community@breckland.gov.uk
Our Mindful Towns and Villages
Organisations who have taken part in our Mindful Towns & Villages programme make up our network of locally trained 'Wellbeing Champions' who can offer support. These trained volunteers can direct people towards appropriate support with empathy and help people avoid a mental health crisis by accessing support sooner.
If you would like to become a Mindful Village like those listed below please visit ourBecoming a Mindful Town or Village webpage for further information.
Look out for our Mindful Town & Village logos and branding in and around your local area.
