Space from Anxiety is the third CBT programme to be translated into Welsh, giving Welsh speakers the choice and freedom to express their feelings, thoughts and emotions in their chosen language.

“We’re incredibly proud to launch this programme in Welsh. Providing bilingual therapy is a key priority for us and is very much forefront in our minds as the service continues to grow. It can be difficult to open up and share your thoughts and feelings, and it’s even harder if you have to do it in your second language. It’s vital that we break down that barrier and provide people with the space and opportunity to use Welsh when they access our therapeutic content.

Research suggests almost a quarter of adults in Wales feel anxious all or most of the time, while 45% of adults with feelings of anxiety keep them secret.Although some level of anxiety plays a useful and healthy role in helping us deal with problems and rise to challenges, it can become overwhelming and ultimately debilitating if left unaddressed. Lingering stigma around mental health issues can make it tough to reach out, but NHS Wales’ online therapy programmes – delivered by SilverCloud® – help break down barriers to care.The interactive programmes teach practical coping skills for mild to moderate mental health issues and can be accessed anonymously online, without seeing a GP or joining waiting lists. Via any mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop device.

• It takes 12 weeks to complete and service users need commit as little as 15 minutes a day, 3-4 times weekly.
• Progress is monitored by qualified practitioners, who provide fortnightly feedback and can escalate more serious cases to access further support.
• 30,000 people have accessed the service – funded by the Welsh government – since it piloted in Powys in 2018.
• It was extended across Wales in September 2020 and Space from Anxiety has become the second-most requested programme, with almost 6000 people signing up in the last six years.

The new Welsh provision meets one of the themes of Cymraeg 2050  – a Welsh government strategy aiming to deliver a million Welsh speakers by 2050 – and is in line with More Than Just Words, its Strategic Framework for Promoting the Welsh Language in health, social services and social care.”

Fionnuala Clayton, NHS Wales online CBT Service Project Manager. 

“Not being able to converse in your first language can be distressing, especially when speaking about an already emotive subject.”

“I’ve been immersed in all aspects of Welsh culture since the day I was born and feel very privileged to have gone to Welsh medium primary and secondary schools.I took this very much for granted when I was younger, but now I have a much deeper appreciation for the Welsh Language and Welsh Culture and History, as well as the added benefits of being bilingual.

Attending a Welsh-speaking secondary school allowed for speaking to teachers and ancillary staff through the medium of Welsh and asking for and then receiving any additional support in Welsh. I was lucky to have this again at university. Again, when asking for additional support, I felt comfortable being able to approach my lecturers to discuss my needs. Communicating in Welsh also provided an extra level of connection.Psychology is one of the most popular courses at Bangor University and I studied part of my course through the medium of Welsh. We studied in smaller groups, meaning lectures were a lot more intimate, with more room for discussion. I was able to express my opinion and discuss with other students through Welsh.

I think I always took it for granted when visiting a GP that I had the privilege of seeing a Welsh speaking doctor, but when it came to accessing mental health support, this was not always the case. My mental health practitioners and counsellors were non-Welsh speakers. I found it difficult to open up and discuss personal issues.

I found that when I did get to speak to a Welsh-speaking counsellor, there was an instant therapeutic connection due to a shared identity and a deeper understanding of my issues and needs. It’s incredibly rewarding that I now get to bring that to SilverCloud Wales as a Welsh-speaking member of the online support team.

People are quick to say that the Welsh language is fading away, but the reality is it’s very much alive.”

Leah Williams, NHS Wales Online CBT Co-ordinator. 

Leah is bilingual and available for print & broadcast interviews in Welsh. She is one of 12 trained online supporters monitoring and providing feedback to SilverCloud® Wales users. Leah grew up in a family of Welsh speakers, speaking Welsh as her first language.

To find out more and sign up, visit: https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/

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