Senedd Member for Mid & West Wales Eluned Morgan recently visited Brecon Cathedral to hear about the vital work being done by volunteers, who have been helping some of the area’s most vulnerable residents.

The Health Minister met with volunteers from St John’s Community Centre, Brecon’s award winning Trussell Trust Foodbank and toured the on-site Green Minds eco-therapy garden – an innovative local wellbeing project, led in by volunteers in collaboration with Brecon & District MIND.

Eluned heard how local demand for support had increased dramatically over the pandemic, as people adjusted to new ways of working and living, and many dealt with difficult and tragic situations.

The widening Foodbank user demographic offered an indication of just how far the pandemic had pushed the cost-of-living crisis to the brink. According to the Trussell Trust, over a 6-month period, more than 1.2 million emergency food parcels had been given to people struggling to afford essentials - hundreds of which were given locally.

Brecon & District MIND Representatives reflected on the soaring local demand for Mental Health support and also reported how their accessible and free Green Minds eco-therapy service had helped many reap the benefits of reconnecting with nature.

Working with natural materials on site at the Cathedral, the initiative has worked to combat social isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of those needing support through nature-based interventions such as conservation, walking and gardening.

Commenting on the visit, Eluned said: “Though we have been physically distanced, communities have shown remarkable resilience, and flexibility in overcoming challenges.

“Through these impressive projects, volunteers here at the Cathedral have provided vital support and relief for those struggling in such challenging and uncertain times.

“I am extremely grateful to them all for their dedication.”