Honiton's award-winning Parental Minds support groups helps struggling families

Parental Minds is a community interest company which supports families who are struggling with their mental health, and the organisation offers frequent 'café style' drop-in sessions in Honiton. The sessions are so renowned that people join the virtual support Hubs from Cornwall and Bristol.

Established by Sarah Lou Glover in 2019, Parental Minds is a support network of professionals and volunteers who offer a wide range of help and advice to people who are caring for someone with a mental health issue.

In 2021, Parental Minds was selected as the winner of the Prince of Wales Award in Devon. Sarah Lou, its founder, was named a 'Devon Diamond' by Devon Communities Together for her work.

There are three paid members of staff and a team of approximately twenty trained volunteers.

The organisation receives funding and support from a range of sources, including The National Lottery, Honiton Town Council and Devon Community Foundation.

The issues supported include anything from mild anxiety to eating issues, suicide, gambling addiction and depression. Everyone is welcome at the sessions for an informal and welcoming chat, and there is no need to make a reservation. The sessions are free.

The 'Parent+ Hubs' take place in Honiton on Mondays from 1pm – 4pm in Zest Café and in Sidmouth on a monthly basis. They are primarily for caregivers who support family, friends or even colleagues with mental health issues.

There are also evening sessions once a month in Honiton.

Since 2019, the support services offered by Parental Minds has diversified beyond the Parent+ Hubs.

In addition to the Hubs, Parental Minds offer support via low-cost counselling sessions, advice via WhatsApp, Zoom Workshops, Tastelife courses for those struggling with eating issues and Crafty Minds, which is a non-judgemental space where people can share as much or as little of their challenges as they wish.

The company works closely with the new Mental Health Team, based at Honiton Hospital: individuals can also be referred to the group from their GP, or Parental Minds can help encourage individuals to seek treatment.

Sarah Lou explains: "We had a lady that came here who was really worried about seeking mental health support.

"I was able to approach the mental health team [at Honiton hospital] and get a member of their team to come and meet her at our Hub. She is now being supported by the mental health team."

Part of the care that is offered is helping people navigate the mental health and hospital procedures, as they can be confusing and overwhelming.

Sarah Lou told Nub News: "The drop-in sessions tend to me one-to-ones, where people can drop in and talk through what's going on for them and have a good couple of hours with us. They get a listening ear, but they also get informed navigating around the systems."

She continued: "Being able to support somebody when they're in hospital with their youngster, explaining the system, and be there for them and just be that safety net, means the absolute world to me.

"Quite often, we will check in on someone, and they will say 'how did you know I was having a bad day today?', and that sparks that conversation, that support."

Parental Minds relies on the support of the local community, and they are particularly grateful to the owner of Zest, Jackie, who allows them to use the café for the Hubs.

More information and resources can be found here

You can also contact Parental Minds on their [L] https://www.facebook.com/PPSHUB/ [L+] [L] https://www.facebook.com/parentalminds/ [L+] Facebook pages.