A warm welcome to Mid Cheshire Mind!
Mid Cheshire MIND is an independent local charity. The aim of our work is to help people build on their strengths, overcome obstacles, and become more in control of their lives.
We can offer support to anyone from the Mid Cheshire area who may suffer from a mental health problem, whether this has been diagnosed or not. We believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We listen, give support and advice, and fight for those who need our help.
We offer ongoing support through our drop-in centre with weekly support activities that encourage and promote positive wellbeing and improvements in mental health. Mid-Cheshire MIND offers an inclusive and non-stigmatised service, ensuring dignity and confidentiality for our service users. Staff provide a listening ear, signposting or referral to other services.
Our Vision
The Vision of Mid Cheshire MIND is to protect the good mental health of the citizens of Mid Cheshire.
Our Mission
The primary objective of Mid Cheshire MIND is to work in partnership with other local voluntary and statutory organisations to achieve the following objectives:
- To reduce the likelihood of recurrence of mental health problems by offering support to individuals living in the community area of Mid Cheshire or preparing for hospital discharge.
- To encourage individuals to be valued members of their community by supporting them in using their local resources
- To provide social, leisure and educational opportunities which help overcome the loneliness and isolation of people suffering from mental health problems
- To promote the active involvement of members in the management and day to day running of the centre.
- To raise awareness locally and nationally of mental health issues and challenge the stigma and prejudice faced by many individuals suffering from mental health problems.
- To aid people recovering from mental health illnesses and assist rehabilitation into volunteering and a working environment.
- To provide training opportunities for people working towards employment in the mental health nursing and social services fields.
Support for Individuals
The Mid Cheshire Mind drop-in centre gradually re-opening after COVID. Visit our Contact Us page for the current opening hours.
The drop-in centre can help to improve your mental health and wellbeing by providing you with an opportunity to join a supportive peer group of others who have mental health issues who may be able to help you from their own experiences.
By attending the service, you could reduce the time you may spend on your own and build your social confidence by meeting others and developing friendships.
Attending the drop-in centre is FREE, and tea & coffee are available for a small charge.
Friendly, supportive staff in the group can offer you 1-2-1 support if you need it. You can attend regularly to help lessen loneliness or drop by as and when you feel the need to. No pressure!
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a service to:
- individuals with a primary diagnosis of alcohol and/or drug misuse.
- individuals with a primary diagnosis of learning difficulties.
- individuals assessed as being a significant risk due to violence, aggression, or abuse.
Citizens Advice will attend the Centre Fridays to help with benefit checks, debt, budgeting and ‘how to claim’ advice. Two appointments are available each Friday, and people must pre-book by calling us on 01606 863305
Peer Support Groups
Peer Support means just that, support from your peers!  All our groups are friendly, informal and either free or low cost, and you don’t need any skills or experience to join.
How do I join?
Our Peer Support groups are open to anyone living in the Mid Cheshire area with a mental health issue.
You do not need to be under the care of a mental health team to access the support. There is no commitment to come every week. If you would like to come along to a group, just contact us for full details.
Most groups are supported either by staff or by our volunteers; some have experienced mental health issues themselves. This means you can talk openly and honestly with people who truly understand. Although there is no expectation to talk about your own mental health experiences, you can often learn from someone who has been through a similar experience.
Our groups offer a range of different activities, including:
- Art Group: Led by volunteer Christine, who is a local artist, this group is suitable for both total beginners or the more experienced! All materials are provided.
Visit our ‘Gallery’ to see examples of art produced by the group.
- Craft Group: Led by a volunteer, Lynda, this group give you a chance to explore your creativity and make simple craft projects. All materials are provided.
- We are aiming to restart the art and craft groups shortly.
We also welcome skilled crafters who can share their knowledge with the group.
Poetry Group:Â led by two Members, Gill and James, you can show your creativity through writing poetry or if you prefer, simply listen to poetry readings. Local poets sometimes visit and share their poetry and experiences with the group.
Walking Group: led by Cheshire West and Chester’s Health Ranger, Chris Moseley, this weekly group offers you a chance to get walking in your community. Winsford has lots of scenic routes for you to enjoy and walking as a group provides companionship as well as a chance to get fit, be outdoors and improve your mental health. The Walking Group is every Thursday at 1 pm.
The Naafi Café is a welcoming peer support group for veterans or ex-service personnel, giving them a chance to meet and chat about their experiences, challenges and progress. Meeting fortnightly on a Thursday evening the group is open to anyone aged 18+, male or female.
We are currently searching for a volunteer to restart the Naafi Café. Click here to apply
The group now meets on a monthly basis and is led by two experienced volunteers.
