A MENTAL health and wellbeing service that was first piloted in Powys at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic has seen a 45 per cent increase in the number of people seeking support.

SilverCloud Wales is a free online therapy service designed to help people aged 16 and over

experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression or stress, to manage their mental health

and wellbeing.

Even though we’re all ecstatic that lockdown restrictions have eased in the last month and life is slowly starting to return to normal, data from SilverCloud indicates the existence of post-lockdown anxiety and that people need help managing the transition from lockdown to normal life.

There’s no need to be referred by a GP – people can sign up and access the NHS Wales

service anytime, anywhere, on their smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

Data gathered shows that 45 per cent more people signed up for the service after schools and non-essential retailers reopened in April compared with the two weeks prior.

The same data also shows a 14 per cent rise in people signing up for help with managing social

anxiety.

Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Week taking place from May 10-16, statistics show that one in four adults struggle with mental health challenges, like feeling low, anxious or stressed.

and it was anticipated the demand for services would increase due to the impact of Covid-19.

In a bid to meet that demand, and following a pilot in Powys, SilverCloud Wales online

therapy service was rolled out across Wales in September 2020.

“SilverCloud Wales offers people an online space to explore their personal challenges and experiences in a safe and confidential way,” said Fionnuala Clayton, a psychological assistant and clinical online cognitive behavioural therapy co-ordinator for SilverCloud, who is based with Powys Teaching Health Board.

Ms Clayton says services like SilverCloud Wales are proving to be a lifeline for many.

“Returning to ‘normal’ can be just as challenging as entering lockdown. While we have all faced different challenges depending on our age, vulnerability status, employment and social circles, what we all have is a collective understanding that Covid has had a real impact on our daily lives.

“Common challenges we are hearing from people using the service include: finding a work-life balance for those who have worked continuously through the pandemic, including those working from home; returning to work and how to cope with reservations for those who have been in and out due to restrictions, furlough and shielding; concerns about returning to ‘normal’, socialising, and the rise of social anxiety symptoms relating to Covid measures being relaxed; loneliness and feeling isolated, and the impact the pandemic has had on our connections with loved ones; and those who are struggling with routine, low mood and sometimes consequently self-esteem and body image concerns.”

SilverCloud Wales uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help people manage their

mental health and wellbeing. CBT works by encouraging people to challenge the way they

think and behave so they’re better equipped to deal with life’s problems.

The service offers help for anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, money worries and more. Users

choose one of the easy-to-use, interactive online programmes to complete over 12 weeks

and for best results are advised to use the service for 15-20 minutes a day, three to four times a

week.

Although an online self-help service, SilverCloud Wales is backed up and supported by a

team of psychologists and online cognitive behavioural therapy co-ordinators.

“SilverCloud Wales users are supported through their chosen online programme by supporters who have psychological backgrounds and know how to get the best out of the programme,” added Ms Clayton.

“Alongside our main programmes, SilverCloud supporters can unlock additional modules if we feel a user needs more support in certain areas. These modules are truly wonderful in terms of additional support.

“No-one should feel like they are alone with their problems. It has been fantastic to see

SilverCloud Wales online therapy reach so many people, not just across Powys, where it

started, but now available to any patient or resident in Wales.”

Ms Clayton said Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder for people to prioritise their wellbeing post-lockdown.

“Use the resources you have to help you manage in times of stress,” she said. “Resources can

be a number of different things, including environmental, such as green space and leisure

facilities, and social, such as family and friends.

“Making connections with the outside world and learning new techniques to manage how

you’re feeling can really help.”

To find out more and sign up, visit: https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/. You can also connect with SilverCloud on Twitter https://twitter.com/SilvercloudW and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SilverCloudWales.