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Positive Thoughts started out as Malvern MIND back
in 1978. Ken and Zella Shawyer were the main
driving force in setting up the organisation - they felt
that there should be more help and support for
people suffering with mental health problems.
Together with groups at Droitwich, Evesham and
Pershore, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Worcester city
and Wyre Forest, Malvern MIND was part of the
Worcestershire MIND Association.
The first project in Malvern was a Sunday afternoon drop-in to enable people with mental health problems to meet up and have a cup of tea and chat with volunteers who understood about mental illness. They could also have a game of cards or scrabble if they wanted to. This drop-in was held at the Social Education Centre off Geraldine Road and transport within Malvern was provided for 40p return.
A self-help group was started after MIND organised an eight week course on relaxation. This was so successful that a small group of people decided to meet each week in each other’s homes to listen to a relaxation tape/CD and discuss their problems in a positive way over a cup of tea. This group continued to meet weekly over many years.
Public meetings were also held from time to time in which mental health professionals were invited to give talks on subjects relevant to mental health. A Wednesday drop-in was also established, which continues to run each Wednesday morning from10.30 to 12 noon at the Lyttleton Rooms, Church Street.
The first project in Malvern was a Sunday afternoon drop-in to enable people with mental health problems to meet up and have a cup of tea and chat with volunteers who understood about mental illness. They could also have a game of cards or scrabble if they wanted to. This drop-in was held at the Social Education Centre off Geraldine Road and transport within Malvern was provided for 40p return.
A self-help group was started after MIND organised an eight week course on relaxation. This was so successful that a small group of people decided to meet each week in each other’s homes to listen to a relaxation tape/CD and discuss their problems in a positive way over a cup of tea. This group continued to meet weekly over many years.
Public meetings were also held from time to time in which mental health professionals were invited to give talks on subjects relevant to mental health. A Wednesday drop-in was also established, which continues to run each Wednesday morning from10.30 to 12 noon at the Lyttleton Rooms, Church Street.
In 2010, Malvern MIND disaffiliated from the
national MIND organisation and became the
independent charity 'Positive Thoughts'. Positive
Thoughts continues with the aims and objectives
of the original Malvern MIND and has recently
started a new drop-in service on Friday
afternoons at The Cube on Albert Road North.
positivethoughts1@yahoo.co.uk
In 2002, Zella received an MBE for
services to charity - here she is at
Buckingham Palace accepting her
award.