Four South Norfolk communities, Hempnall, Saxlingham Nethergate, Earsham and Bunwell, have officially achieved Mindful Village status, recognising the growing network of volunteers, local organisations and parish leaders who are supporting wellbeing across the district.
South Norfolk Cabinet Member for Supporting People, Cllr Graham Minshull, said: “It’s inspiring to see so many villages stepping forward to support one another. These Wellbeing Champions are strengthening our communities, making sure people feel supported and able to reach out when they need help. This is exactly what community spirit in South Norfolk is all about.”
In Hempnall, five Wellbeing Champions are active across a wide range of community spaces, including E&T Massage Therapies, Hempnall Village Hall, Friends of Hempnall School, the Mill Bar and the Mill Café. They also support the weekly Thursday Lunch Club and the Hempnall Trust, which provides help to residents experiencing need, hardship or distress.
Saxlingham Nethergate achieved its Mindful Village status through the support of parish councillors and residents who volunteered to take part in the training programme. Seven people have been trained to date.
In Earsham, there are now three Wellbeing Champions, including members of the parish council and volunteers from Grumpy’s Café – a family run business described as having “the community at its heart.” The café also hosts Mental Health Wellbeing Check-ins from 10am to 11am on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, offering a supportive space for anyone seeking company or conversation.
Bunwell achieved Mindful Village status through the involvement of district councillors and a local Wellbeing Champion who runs a Community Art Club CIC that uses creative activities as a way of building stronger and more connected communities.
These four villages join a growing number of South Norfolk communities embracing the Mindful Village initiative. The Council is encouraging even more residents to get involved and to check the Council’s website for future training dates and opportunities to take part.
