Platfform

19/11/2025

A huge thanks to the Restraint Reduction Network for inviting us to speak at their conference last week, and to Jess Matthews for joining us there to share her story.

The diagnosis of personality disorder can function as a form of restraint, limiting people’s power over their own lives, and preventing their experiences from being heard and understood. In this way, the diagnosis functions as a restrictive practice.

We’re looking forward to sharing findings from the Truth Project with you soon. In the meantime, you can read people’s first-hand experiences of receiving this diagnosis here: https://platfform.org/system-change/truth-project/personality-disorder/

18/11/2025

Last week’s strengths-based session explored what it really means to hold boundaries in a broken system and why they matter.

Sarah Brown, one of our clinical psychologists, reminded us that boundaries aren’t barriers. They’re part of the relationships we build. They protect the people we support, and they protect us as workers. And when systems are stretched, that’s when we most need our boundaries, but it’s also when they’re most likely to fray.

We reflected on how compassion and clarity need to sit alongside each other. As Sarah shared:
🔴 “A trauma-informed boundary is predictable, transparent and kind, even when it’s firm.”
🔴 “Real kindness is accountable and tells the truth respectfully.”

🎬If you’d like to revisit the session or catch up if you couldn’t make it then you can watch the full recording here: https://youtu.be/z_cYZzTc7ts?si=Cx7kvKYUedhZYDlL

14/11/2025

At the launch of the WAMH manifesto this week, we heard first-hand how open access mental health services, and the chance to feel truly heard, can make all the difference when someone is facing a mental health crisis.

The WAMH manifesto has been written by some key mental health partners in Wales, people who see, every day, the ways in which our mental health is affected by our circumstances, and our relationships to the people around us. They’ve also seen the healing that can be found within communities.

The Welsh Government’s mental health strategy points us in the direction of a positive mental health future in Wales, and brings a tangible sense of hope – but the next Welsh Gov. has to make sure it happens.

You can help: share the WAMH manifesto far and wide, and consider adding your support at the link in comments 👇

The WAMH partners are Adferiad, Mind Cymru, Beat, Mental Health Matters Wales, Mental Health Foundation, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de, Samaritans Cymru and Platfform.

13/11/2025

Platfform will always be, unequivocally, a space that welcomes trans people, whether you're accessing support or joining our team as colleagues and volunteers.

Community is a mental health intervention – and that starts with a sense of belonging, and being welcomed for who you are by the people around you.

This week - and beyond - we celebrate all the ways there are to be human, and the importance of being seen, understood, and loved.



See our comment below for useful resources 👇

12/11/2025

We are very much looking forward to being part of the Children in Wales - Plant yng Nghymru event with many others 😍

07/11/2025

Our trustee Chris brings 20 years of experience in the not-for profit and public sectors, including at senior leadership level. He shares why he values his trustee role at Platfform:

“Volunteering as a Trustee at Platfform is one of the most fulfilling things I do.

It is an absolute honour to work alongside our brilliant team of staff to support communities and influence policy change.

Platfform has grown from strength to strength and positively affects the lives of thousands of people every year.”

Thank you for the insight and brilliant support you bring Chris ❤

06/11/2025

Debbie Green is a long serving trustee at Platfform although she says it doesn’t feel that long, because Platfform is an organisation that is continuously wanting to do new things. This week she has reflected on what she enjoys about her role:

“I feel lucky to be involved with Platfform as a trustee. Platfform is an ambitious and forwards thinking organisation focused on achieving system change in relation to mental health and wellbeing.

I enjoy the bravery, creativity and the energy of the organisation, and the opportunity to get to know and support a fantastic group of trustees and staff.

Platfform is on a journey, growing and evolving over the years, it is exciting to be along for the ride and I have learnt a lot along the way.”

Thank you for generously sharing your time and expertise to support our journey ❤️

06/11/2025

We all get that ‘communities’ means ‘people’ - so why do we often think differently about workplaces? We’re still people at work 🤖

Jen and Pete are breaking this down today at the Wales NHS Confederation annual conference. They’re looking at how pressure leads to blame cultures, and what we can do about it when just reducing the pressure isn’t an option.

It comes down to how we show up for each other. That’s not about being ‘nice’ or ‘soft’, but about having leadership styles that encourage people to have autonomy, to say when things aren’t right, and to feel supported to do so. That’s how you get the best from your teams without burning people out.

Read more about the real causes of burnout here: https://www.platfformwellbeing.com/blog/the-real-causes-of-burnout-at-work/

06/11/2025

Excited to be at the Welsh NHS Confederation's annual conference today. Pop by our spot in the exhibition space and chat to David and Laurence about all things mental health 👋

30/10/2025

Just over a week to go until this years 'A Disorder 4Everyone' 2025, brought to you by AD4E: CPD events that challenge the culture of diagnosis and disorder. and a myriad of activists, authors, thinkers, experts and other voices in the movement for change. (7th November)

Previous years have been a mixture of celebration, solidarity, hard truths, difficult stories and reasons to be hopeful. It's always one the of the biggest events in the calendar for anyone interested in the future of mental health.

You can book here:

AD4E festival 2025: A whole day of change-making talks, presentations, conversations - all challenging the culture of diagnosis & disorder!

27/10/2025

We all want a bright future for mental health in Wales, and the strong community bonds that will help us to thrive together. So what do we need to see from our political leadership to make sure we get there?

Alongside key partners from across the Welsh third sector, we’re launching a new manifesto for mental health, outlining the changes the next Welsh Government needs to make to deliver good mental health outcomes.

Join us for the launch and be part of the conversation. 12th November, 11am-12:30pm, online.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wamh-stronger-communities-for-stronger-minds-tickets-1802665534139?aff=oddtdtcreator

23/10/2025

After a successful run at the Sherman Theatre, No Man's Land, a deeply moving and gripping performance by Kyle Stead, starts this evening, Thursday 23 October at the Park & Dare Theatre in Treorchy, running until Saturday 25 October.

Tickets available online and from the following box office:
🎟 Park & Dare - Treorchy CF42 6NL
https://www.rct-theatres.co.uk/event/no-mans-land

💛 Supported by Platfform and Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru | Arts Council of Wales
🎭Written by the award-winning Rachel Trezise
🎥 Directed by Matthew Holmquist
📸 Photography by Kirsten McTernan