Digital mental health referral scheme launched for parents in Wales

New and expectant parents in Wales can access free digital mental health support through a referral system set up in partnership with Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB).

CTMUHB’s perinatal team began refering patients to guided, online self-help based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on 9 September 2024, powered by digital mental health platform SilverCloud.

Parents can access a range of online guided self-help programmes for managing mild-to-moderate symptoms of low mood, stress and depression, with progress monitored by trained supporters, who provide fortnightly feedback and can escalate more serious cases.

Jade Beasant, perinatal lead at CTMUHB said it is “an absolutely phenomenal programme”.

“Becoming a new parent brings with it a whole range of new pressures and demands, but the beauty of SilverCloud is that you can work through the modules in your own time, and on your own terms.

“This is non-jargon, patient-centred intervention at its best,” Beasant added.

CTMUHB has been referring to SilverCloud through its local primary and child and adolescent mental health teams since April 2024, while the perinatal department has been signposting clients to the service.

Fionnuala Clayton, online CBT project manager at NHS Wales said that two more health boards are due to begin referring to SilverCloud imminently.

“We always say that caring for your baby starts with caring for you, but we know how tough it can be taking that first step by asking for help.

“Sometimes a direct referral made on your behalf can be just the advocacy you need to begin your journey to feeling better and knowing that both services are working collaboratively to support you means added reassurance,” she said.

SilverCloud Wales has supported 30,000 people since it was piloted by Powys Teaching Health Board in 2018.

Anyone in Wales aged 16 and over can self-refer to SilverCloud for free without the need to see a GP or joining waiting lists.

In April 2024,  SilverCloud announced that it is working with the NHS on a 10-year partnership to deliver timely care each level of mental health intervention, which aims to help more patients access mental health support through NHS Talking Therapies.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has said that the use of recommended digital therapies for mental health conditions could free up thousands of NHS therapists’ hours.

In a press release, published on 19 September 2024, NICE said that demand for NHS talking therapies has reached “an all-time high”, with 1.82 million referrals in 2023/24, compared to 884,000 in 2012/13.