Mid and North Powys Mind is a mental health charity that has been based in Llandrindod Wells for over 30 years. In that time the charity has supported thousands of people with mental health issues, provided training to local organisations and provided a safe and understanding space for people struggling with their mental health. 

For the majority of that time Mid and North Powys Mind has been based in Crescent Chambers in South Crescent, this building is now up for sale and Mid and North Powys Mind has no premises in the local community suitable to offer their much needed support. 

Llandrindod Wells has a lack of safe and accessible buildings due to most buildings being of Victorian architecture. This often means property in the town centre has steep stairs with offices and rooms over many floors in buildings without lifts, which is therefore inaccessible to those with extra mobility needs. 

One such building that does meet these requirements is the Arlais Day Centre in Llandrindod Wells. In the past this building has been used for day care services to the elderly and we are sad to see that it will no longer be used for this purpose.  With it’s easy accessibility and closeness to the town, the Arlais building would be the ideal premises for local community groups and organisations, such as Mid and North Powys Mind to use as a base to run vital community support services for local people. Despite many attempts over the years to make contact with the council over this space, and even though Mid and North Powys Mind finds itself in a difficult position of potentially losing it’s premises, the council have decided to move forward with demolishing the centre to pave the way for more housing. Although we support the need for more affordable housing, there are many other buildings locally that would fit this purpose without denying the community a vital accessible centre.

It is Mid and North Powys Minds view that the centre could be used to provide a place of value and support as a community resource for local residents. It provides easy access for those with mobility issues who remain some of the most vulnerable members of our community; who risk being left without a venue for them to get their much needed support. 

Therefore we are urging you to support us in this petition to the council to reconsider the future of this building, keeping it as an accessible resource to benefit the whole community and ensure vital mental health services are available to all.