SilverCloud Wales expands through new perinatal referral pathway

NHS Wales’ Online Cognitive Behavioural  (CBT) service has established a new referral pathway with the perinatal team at Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board (CTMUHB).

The team can now refer new and expectant parents to ‘Space for Perinatal Wellbeing’, an online mental health programme based on CBT and powered by SilverCloud®

Said CTMUHB perinatal lead, Jade Beasant: “It’s 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.”

30,000 people have received support from SilverCloud Wales, which is funded by the Welsh government, since it was piloted by Powys Teaching Health Board in 2018.

‘Space for Perinatal Wellbeing’ arms new parents and parents-to-be with practical coping skills for managing mild-to-moderate symptoms of low mood, stress and worry, and can be accessed online, anytime, via mobile, tablet or computer.

Progress is monitored by trained supporters, who provide fortnightly feedback and can escalate more serious cases to access further help.

Said Jade: “The fact that the patient gets individual support from the same person throughout their journey is second to none, and it means they’re far more likely to complete the entire course.”

Anyone in Wales aged 16+ can self-refer to SilverCloud for free without seeing a GP or joining waiting lists,

CTMUHB has been referring to it through its Local Primary and Child and Adolescent Mental Health teams since April, while the perinatal department has been signposting clients to the service.

However Jade said they were more likely to reap the benefits of SilverCloud’s clinically-proven support through the new, direct referral process.

“When you signpost someone, you cross your fingers and hope they’re going to take the initiative to self-refer, but when they’re trying to manage poor mental health, that motivation is often the first thing that goes,” she said.

“When we’re making the referral, they’re on our caseload and we can press home the importance of completing the programme.”

NHS Wales’ Online CBT project manager Fionnuala Clayton said that two more health boards were 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 and asking for help,” said Fionnuala.

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.”

30/09/2024