TWO of Oswestry's representatives at Shropshire Council have welcomed the launch of a mental health pilot project to support people in the town.

The Health Equalities Partnership (HEP) Programme, launched to support those experiencing poor mental health and/or substance misuse, is a joint venture between Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Clinical Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Shropshire Mental Health Support (MHS), Designs in Mind, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust and We are With You.

According to Shropshire Council, MHS and Designs in Mind will introduce people to new tools to use as coping mechanisms, increase self-confidence, and teach people to manage their conditions using non-clinical interventions.

Councillor Mike Isherwood, for Oswestry West, and Cllr Duncan Kerr, for Oswestry South, both welcomed the introduction of the project.

"I’m really pleased to see this project starting in Oswestry," said Cllr Isherwood.

"Empowering people experiencing mental health and well-being challenges is an important but often overlooked aspect in the range of services available.

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"Designs in Mind are well known in Oswestry for creatively supporting mental health and other issues within the community and this partnership with other organisations will undoubtedly be of huge value to those who make use of the tools and skills on offer."

Cllr Kerr added: "This is a really important example of how the public and voluntary sectors can work together to provide practical solutions to help people in Oswestry and breakdown some of the barriers for seeking help with mental health issues."

The project will complement existing support by extending the mental health offer in the town and utilising the creative resources in the community to offer a programme that explores mental health and wellbeing through a blended programme of one-to-one support, group work and arts based activity.

Heather Ireland, from MHS, said: "The Reconnect Programme, Shropshire MHS’s contribution to the HEP, offers a great chance for people to come together and talk about their struggles.

"The group is facilitated by two members of staff who are passionate about supporting people to make positive change and empower people with their journey.

"It is a six-week programme and we have seen some amazing outcomes."

Designs in Mind, in Cross Street, is holding an open day on Saturday from 11am to 1pm, then at 12A in Salop Road, Oswestry, from 1pm to 3pm.