Rethinking compassionate mental health, by the well

In the beautiful Welsh countryside, just 30 mins from Cardiff, attendees had travelled from as far away as California to participate in this therapeutic gathering, and I now understand why. Many were returners and some had been coming for years – it's now in its 16^th edition. The organisers have created a deeply powerful and transformative model that offers acceptance, nurturing, and empowerment. 

I was aware of Compassionate Mental Health as my dear friend Dr Joe Berke had twice been to their events and spoke warmly of the power of the gathering. I was invited to By the Well to discuss my work on Mary Barnes (1923-2001), a self-taught artist who began her creative journey in another therapeutic community, Kingsley Hall (1965-1970), where she was supported by Joe Berke. Mary broke down and regressed there, curled in a shroud-like box on the floor, refusing to eat and drink. Berke was an American psychoanalyst, attracted by the work of the maverick counter-cultural figure Dr R D Laing who established Kingsley Hall. Berke adopted unorthodox means to meet her needs including feeding her from a bottle like an infant, bathing her, and playfighting. Joe encouraged Mary to express herself on the walls of Kingsley Hall. She did, initially with her own excrement, and later with paints and crayons that Joe provided. This was the start of a remarkable creative journey that Mary continued throughout her life, incorporating visual art painted with her fingers, creative writing and mental health activism. I shared her inspiring story of hope, mental health recovery, and the power of creative expression at By the Well.

If By the Well is considered in terms of the NHS Five Steps to Wellbeing it delivers on all recommended actions. Connection with others was supported in deep listening pods each morning where we worked in groups of three, each spending three minutes actively listening to each other. I experienced radical honesty, sharing and acceptance that was deeply moving, evoking empathy and a sense of community. Each day ended with a closing circle that brought us together, offering the opportunity to reflect and share experiences. Physical Activity was available via yoga and gentle stretching plus guided or solo walks around the peaceful grounds. There are also resident horses, chickens providing fresh eggs and a bountiful kitchen garden. New Learning was promoted via contributions on topics such as creativity and transformation featuring myself (on Mary Barnes' life and legacy); Sara Trevelyan, discussing the Barlinnie Special Unit in Glasgow, the work of Joyce Laing (Art Extraordinary), and the life of her ex-husband Jimmy Boyle; and Beatrice Birch on Inner Fire, a community in the US where drug-free healing is supported. I witnessed generous Giving through acts of service such as helping with catering, moving furniture and other domestic duties. I also saw genuine comfort that attendees extended to others, including those in distress. Finally Paying Attention was facilitated through mindfulness and meditative sessions, massage therapy, Taizé singing, a steam room and the many tranquil spaces available to sit in contemplation. 

The opportunities for therapeutic engagement were many and varied. Examples include a workshop led by Arnaud Vallet, an art therapist from the barge Adamant in Paris who used the cut-up or découpé technique to create new and often surprising narratives, and Malcolm Stern's powerful group psychotherapeutic sessions exploring trauma. 

The nurturing atmosphere was enhanced by exceptional catering offering nourishing and plentiful vegetarian and vegan meals eaten around long communal tables that reinforced a sense of belongingness. 

Psychological safety was promoted and gently monitored by a number of qualified mental health professionals who were responsive if needed. The attendees were diverse demographically and in their reasons for being there. Notable was the lack of barriers between those who identified as having lived experience and those who came with professional labels. As someone who has worked in mental health services that are often hierarchical and highly structured, this felt profound. 

I left By the Well feeling calm, inspired and connected to others. It is astonishing that this model isn't taken up by mental health service commissioners so that more of those experiencing mental distress can benefit. At a time when NHS mental health services are under such strain it is time to rethink existing models of provision. This compassionate mental health gathering offered a positive, inclusive and supported space to explore different routes to recovery and mental wellbeing. 

Their next learning retreat will be in Coed Hills, South Wales, 2-5 June 2025. See Compassionate Mental Health's website for more information. 

Image above: Brigid Bowen