The Restart Scheme’s North and Mid Wales Partnership Coordinator, Angela Watt, recently organised two wellbeing events in Rhyl and Wrexham for participants supported by COPA Training and Maximus. The events were designed to help participants widen their support networks and connect with services that complement the work delivered by the Restart Scheme.
Both events welcomed a fantastic mix of organisations. Warm Wales and The Salvation Army attended both sessions, with Cyfle Cymru joining in Rhyl and the Wellbeing Hub and Groundwork Cymru taking part in Wrexham.
Warm Wales shared practical advice on affordable warmth, energy bills, heating schemes, and emergency fuel support. The Salvation Army introduced their Employment Plus programme, which offers job search help, confidence building, and a warm space with food, drinks, and wellbeing sessions. Cyfle Cymru spoke about their peer mentor service for people facing mental health or substance-use challenges and ran a creative activity called Mindset Magnets, where participants made clay “vibe checkers” to help manage moments of self-doubt.
In Wrexham, the Wellbeing Hub explained how they work with local organisations to fill gaps in support and hosted a Tai Chi session, which everyone enjoyed with two participants signing up for regular classes! Groundwork Cymru offered information on free courses and led a festive activity where attendees made Christmas wreaths to take home.
Many participants admitted feeling nervous before the events but left feeling positive and informed. They enjoyed the creative sessions and the chance to meet new people. Throughout the day, several referrals were made around wellbeing, community engagement, and practical life‑management needs. Some participants asked for help with improving their confidence and motivation, others sought guidance on managing household finances and daily living challenges, while a number requested ongoing emotional‑wellbeing support and opportunities to build routine through structured group activities.
To make the day even more special, everyone received hygiene packs funded by COPA, which were kindly put together by JGW+ participants supported by COPA. The Hygiene Packs included toiletries such as shower gel, shampoo, cloths, oral care, facial wipes, deodorants, shaving foam and sanitary pads.
Angela Watt said: “The wellbeing events are an excellent example of collaborative working that can make a real difference to our participants. There is a wide range of external support available that can add value to the Restart Scheme, and bringing organisations into the room to deliver informal presentations and fun activities helps break barriers to future engagement. Both events were really successful, and it’s great to see that COPA Training are now planning to hold regular wellbeing events linking in with national awareness days.”
