FOR over 45 years a charity in Malvern has supported the wellbeing of people.

Positive Thoughts started out as Malvern Mind back in 1978 yet even before this founders Ken and Zella Shawyer engaged with people in the community who needed mental health support, inviting people to their home and reaching out to those who they were concerned for.

Alongside volunteers, the Shawyers eventually established the organisation Malvern Mind as part of the wider Worcestershire Mind Association.

Members of this charity sought to help people who were suffering with mental health problems with a weekly drop-in group being set up to enable people to meet, relax and chat with those who understand mental illness.

Come rain or shine, these drop-in sessions were held and eventually public meetings were also hosted in which mental health professionals were invited to give talks on relevant subjects.

Zella also concurrently facilitated a women’s group and in 2002 she received an MBE for her services to charity.

In 2010, Malvern Mind disaffiliated from the national Mind organisation to become the independent charity Positive Thoughts which continued with the same objectives as before.

Ken and Zella passed away peacefully less than a decade ago with both still being fondly remembered for their kindness, empathy, non-judgemental nature and always going the extra mile for those in need.

Over the years drop-in support sessions and public meetings were hosted at a range of locales, including the Social Education Centre on Geraldine Road, the Lyttleton Rooms on Church Street and The Cube Community Centre on Albert Road North.

Additionally, representatives of the charity attended events including Malvern Pride and WCG’s Mental Health Support Day as well as working with other charities such as PAPYRUS.

Unfortunately, after decades of work, the trustees held an AGM on January 17 where it was decided with a heavy heart that the charity disbands and its services be retired.

After much discussion the committee decided that this was the inevitable outcome after several years of declining attendance to our drop-ins, together with difficulties in recruiting new volunteers.

Some of our attendees unfortunately passed away while others moved away or felt that they no longer needed to attend.

Furthermore, the increase in online support organisations and the dominance in social media had both changed the need and the demand for our services.

In line with the constitution, the trustees will wind-up formally and distribute funds to charities across Worcestershire which help those with mental health issues and/or engage in activities that promote and prevent mental health distress.

We will, however, continue to meet up informally as a friendship group at local cafés, enjoying the therapeutic benefit of being together, sharing and continuing to think ‘Positive Thoughts’.