Mental health support is just a phone call away

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 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (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 online 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.

There’s no waiting list, and no need to see a GP. You can work through your programme in your own time and at your own pace.

Simon - based at Mid & North Powys Mind in Llandrindod Wells - is the newest member of the blended team.

He is a counsellor who has been working in mental health and addiction services in both the third sector and NHS for 20 years.

“Mental health is often very isolating, so having someone that you can talk to and offload on can be really beneficial,” says Simon. “It also helps take away a lot of the shame you might be feeling about what’s happening.”

SilverCloud’s programmes take around 12 weeks to complete. For best results, we recommend spending around 20 minutes a day, three times a week. Using the blended service, you’ll have six fortnightly meetings with your practitioner.

Says Simon: “The great thing about SilverCloud® is that you can dip in and out of topics to suit your mood. It also teaches you relaxation and mindfulness techniques – great skills that you learn straightaway.

“If you’re struggling, give it a try. You’re in control. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.”

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

f 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.