Meet Powys' new blended online CBT practitioners

If you live in Powys and are struggling with mild-to-moderate mental health issues – that could be stress, anxiety, depression or sleep problems – you can get free face-to-face or telephone support through our charity partnership with the Ponthafren Consortium.

NHS Wales’ online CBT service has teamed up with the third sector to provide a special, ‘blended’ service available only to Powys residents.

Accessible through Ponthafren and local branches of Mind, it combines digital mental health support using SilverCloud® with an additional helping, human hand from a trained practitioner.

In fortnightly in-person meetings – or via phone or video call - your practitioner will help you navigate the SilverCloud® platform, ensure you’re on the best programme for your needs, and then guide and encourage you along the way.

Here’s the latest two members of the blended team.

Carolyn Ford

Carolyn is based at Brecon Mind and brings three decades of experience in private practice and community work. For several years she specialised in bereavement counselling in a hospice.

“SilverCloud® is genuinely educational. It’s full of tools and strategies that you can apply to everyday situations,” Carolyn said.

“I like the flexibility of it – once you’ve got access, you can dip in and out as it suits you – and the programmes are full of shared experiences which give you that feeling of group support, that you’re not alone.”

Laura Cummings

Laura’s base is Mid and North Powys Mind in Llandrindod Wells. She’s had a varied background, working initially with victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system and, later, with families in need as part of the early help offer with Shropshire Council. She’s undergone training in counselling and is working on a masters degree in the psychology of mental health and wellbeing.

“The blended service brings that extra level of support – it’s invaluable,” says Laura. “We’re there to give you guidance around the programme, and to really empower you to keep going.

“It’s non-judgemental encouragement – we want you to feel like you’ve got someone in your corner.”

To access the blended service, contact: Brecon Mind on 01874 611 529 / support@breconmind.org.uk

Mid & North Powys Mind 01597 824411 / admin@mnpmind.org.uk

Ponthafren Consortium 01686 621 586 / admin@ponthafren.org.uk

If you don’t want that face-to-face, blended support, you can also use SilverCloud’s self-referral service by signing up here: https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

Across Wales, 40,000 people have used SilverCloud®.

Taking steps to look after your mental health today can help prevent more serious issues developing in the future.

Published: 29/09/2025