Introducing Healthy Minds’ NEW Peer Support Groups in North Halifax

We are excited to announce that Healthy Minds will be extending its Like Minds peer support service to North Halifax.

​This initiative builds on the success of our peer support services already running in other parts of Calderdale, offering vital emotional health and wellbeing support to the local community.

Read below to meet our Like Minds worker for North Halifax and find out more about the new offer!

Like Minds is a unique project co-produced with the involvement of volunteers and individuals with lived experience of emotional distress. We believe that connecting people who have shared experiences of poor mental health can create a powerful source of mutual support. Our approach puts people at the heart of their recovery, recognising them as experts of their own lives and empowering them to make informed choices about their wellbeing.

The new North Halifax provision will offer locally-based, free peer support through a variety of groups and drop-in sessions. These safe spaces will allow individuals to share, connect, and find strength together, as well as offer volunteer opportunities for local residents who are passionate about supporting others. Volunteers with personal experience of mental health challenges will be provided with training, support, and supervision to run these groups alongside a dedicated project worker.

In August, we welcomed Paula Dixon as the new project worker for this initiative. Paula has been actively engaging with local organisations and community members to better understand the needs and gaps in North Halifax. Her focus is on co-producing peer support groups that truly reflect the needs of the community.

Paula has already begun this process by attending local events such as the Beechwood Family Fun Day, the “Brew and Chat” group at Beechwood Library, and drop-ins at Mixenden Holy Nativity Church. She has also connected with organisations like The Addy and Illingworth Moor Methodist Church, and has been involved in networking sessions including the Ageing Well North Halifax Workshop.

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We’re excited to announce that our co-produced groups are launching in North Halifax this October, offering much-needed peer support to the community. These include:

• Arts and Crafts for Wellbeing
  Mondays, 1:30 - 3:30 pm - weekly
  Holy Nativity Church, Mixenden
  No need to book, just turn up
  
  
• Mixenden Wellbeing Group
  Wednesdays, 12:30 - 2:30 pm - weekly
  Holy Nativity Church, Mixenden
  Please book: [email protected]
  
  
• Walk for Wellbeing - North Halifax
  Thursdays, 10:30 am - weekly starting Oct 17 
  Shroggs Park, Lee Mount
  Please book:  [email protected]

Meet Paula:

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​Hi, I'm Paula and I'm the new Like Minds Project Worker for North Halifax. You may already know me, as I have worked for Healthy Minds the last 2 and a half years, as part of the Community Health and Wellbeing Team.

​I like to be busy, which is a good job, as there is lots to do with Like Minds. I'm already connecting with lots of people, attending events and looking forward to working closely with the North Halifax community. Out of work, I keep myself just as busy as I am a Mum of 2, a Grandma of 2 and a thespian! 

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This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). In West Yorkshire, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority leads the implementation of the Fund as part of the Mayor’s ambition to make West Yorkshire the best place to work, learn and live. 

​The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/ukshared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.