A Pontardawe-based recovery centre has received help from a local organisation to mark a nationwide campaign.

Lloyds Banking Group colleagues volunteered at Mental Health UK Service Centres across Wales to raise awareness and spark conversations during Mental Health Awareness Week.

They are taking part in practical activities to improve Service Centre facilities for people who rely on them and leading conversations with workers at the centres to discuss the importance of mental health and wellbeing.

Colleagues from Lloyds Banking Group South Wales are volunteering at Gelinudd Recovery Centre in Pontardawe, Swansea to help with painting and transforming the Centre’s garden for its residents.

Lloyds Banking Group’s charity partnership with Mental Health UK aims to promote awareness of the link between mental health and money problems, encourage discussion between customers and colleagues and raise at least £2million per year in offices and branches across the UK.

Mental Health Awareness Week coincides with the Group’s main national volunteering week this year, with over 3,000 colleagues supporting causes which matter to them and share their skills and experiences in the community. As part of its ambition to help Britain prosper, the Group has committed to providing 2.3 million colleague volunteering hours by 2020 to support community projects. All colleagues are encouraged to spend at least eight hours per year volunteering in their local communities.

Julie Evans, Branch Manager, Lloyds Banking Group Carmarthen said, “Volunteering at Gellinudd Recovery Centre during Mental Health Awareness Week has been an eye-opening and rewarding experience.

“It is fantastic to have the opportunity to show support for our charity partner Mental Health UK and use our skills to make a difference in local communities across Wales, as part of Lloyds Banking Group’s ambition to help Britain prosper”.

Recovery Centre Director Alison Guyatt, added: “It was great to have the volunteers from Lloyds Banking Group here helping to renovate the garden space at Gellinudd Recovery Centre.

“The volunteers were very willing and enthusiastic. They helped with painting the fencing at the back of the building, and tidied up the whole grounds.

“The centre supports people through their recovery by offering a holistic service, and empowering guests to become independent. The volunteers have made a real impact by creating a relaxing space within the garden area, ready for guests to plant vegetables, and create their own space.”