Two Welsh patients say free online programmes helped them manage anxiety and stress

TWO people who transformed their mental wellbeing with the help of NHS Wales’ online support services are encouraging others to seek help during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Kate, 39, from Cardiff, and George Ryley, 27, from Aberystwyth, both say free online self-help programmes helped them regain control during difficult periods in their lives.

The pair were supported through SilverCloud Wales, a suite of digital mental health programmes based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, managed by Powys Teaching Health Board.

The stories are being highlighted as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year focuses on the theme of “Action”.

Parental anxiety

Kate sought help after her young son began suffering febrile seizures, triggering severe anxiety that quickly escalated.

“My chest would tighten and I’d get this feeling like a wave of nausea,” she said. “I couldn’t eat, couldn’t focus.”

She described becoming consumed by fear, constantly checking on her son and worrying about possible seizure triggers.

“I was so distracted at work that I had to stay behind after hours, and at home I didn’t feel I was always present with my son in the right way,” she said.

After speaking with her GP, Kate was diagnosed with parental anxiety and referred to SilverCloud’s “Space from Anxiety” programme.

She said the flexibility of the online course made it easier to fit around family life.

“I could do it in the evening when my son had gone to sleep, or during breaks in the day. It worked around me,” she said.

Kate says she still regularly uses mindfulness, breathing exercises and writing techniques she learned through the programme.

“I haven’t had a single anxiety attack since I started it,” she added. “I’ve not looked back.”

Stress and illness

Meanwhile, Aberystwyth resident George Ryley turned to the service after work pressures and illness left him physically and mentally exhausted.

“I was used to being busy and active,” he said. “Then suddenly, even having a shower would sap all my energy for the day.”

George said a period of poor health linked to mould toxicity left him bed-bound for several weeks and badly affected his mental wellbeing.

After contacting his GP, he was referred for counselling and encouraged to try SilverCloud’s “Space from Stress” programme.

“I didn’t have the most positive mindset at first,” he said. “But as I worked through it, I was amazed at how effective it was.”

Each SilverCloud user is assigned a dedicated supporter who provides encouragement and advice throughout the course.

“Having such lovely feedback on my progress was really motivating,” George said.

“I’ve recommended SilverCloud to so many people who I know have been struggling with stress.”

Taking the first step

Fionnuala Clayton, project manager for NHS Wales’ Online CBT Service, said the stories showed how small actions could make a major difference.

“This Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that action doesn’t have to be dramatic or overwhelming – sometimes it’s simply about taking that first step to seek support,” she said.

“SilverCloud Wales gives people the tools to understand their thoughts, manage anxiety and stress, and build resilience in a way that fits around busy working and family lives.”

SilverCloud Wales is free to access through NHS Wales and can be used on phones, tablets or laptops.

The service is not intended as a crisis support platform or for those requiring high levels of intervention.

People can sign up at nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup.

ST JOHN AMBULANCE is proud to share that three local St John Ambulance cadets have been crowned National First Aid champions after competing against eight other cadet teams representing counties across Wales.

The team, comprising Emily Williams (Yr 10, Ysgol Bro Gwaun), Ruby Collins (Yr 10, Ysgol Henri Tudor), and Gemma Tilbury (Yr 11, Ysgol Henri Tudor) represented the whole of Dyfed, and demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and composure throughout three demanding rounds.

The competition consisted of a first aid knowledge quiz and exam, followed by a practical skills challenge assessing communication, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure—an area in which they excelled. The final round featured a complex, theatrically produced first aid scenario. Here, the team showed remarkable calm and professionalism as they stabilised a casualty with a severe compound bleed involving a large object lodged in the wound.  They also managed distressed and aggressive members of the public, and successfully resuscitated an unresponsive, non-breathing casualty using CPR and a defibrillator—all completed in record time.

In Pembrokeshire, cadets train every Monday evening during term time from 5:45–7:15pm, with sessions focussing on practical, hands-on learning of real-life first aid skills, including CPR, defibrillator use, treatment of severe wounds, allergic reactions, choking, strains and sprains, head injuries, heart attacks, hypothermia, and much more. Training is engaging and interactive, often involving active, game-based learning, ensuring there is rarely a dull moment.

 Cadets also have the opportunity to support a wide range of events delivered by St John Ambulance Cymru. Working alongside adult volunteers and healthcare professionals, they engage with the public at events of all sizes, applying their skills in real-world, and sometimes life-saving, situations.

 Beyond events, cadets are encouraged to share their knowledge within the community, helping to lead first aid demonstrations and inspire others. Previous outreach has included sessions with Scouts, Cubs, Brownies, and Girlguiding groups, as well as senior community organisations such as the Pembroke Lions and specialist charities like Pembrokeshire People First. On a larger scale, cadets played a key role in organising and delivering “Defibruary,” where they helped lead a team of St John first aiders to train over 950 students at Henri Tudor in a single day in February 2026.

If you are interested in volunteering, opportunities are available for cadets aged 11–16 and adults aged 16+. We are always keen to welcome new members and are happy to discuss opportunities for adults to support the cadet programme as youth leaders.    

To find out more visit https://www.sjacymru.org.uk/volunteer

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home is celebrating a major support package from The James Tudor Foundation thanks to an unrestricted grant to help fund the charity’s vital end-of-life care services throughout the county. 

The £46,364 grant award ill be paid over three years.

Commenting on the windfall, the new Chief Executive Officer, Laura Hugman, said, “At a time where funding and funding partnerships are challenging, we’re very grateful to The James Tudor Foundation in helping us achieve our aims and passion for supporting and bringing reassurance to the local families who need us.” 

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home provides an holistic approach to end-of-life care, which encompasses home nursing, equipment loan, complementary therapies, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, future care planning, and training. The team provides thousands of hours of day and night respite care each year, ensuring that patients can receive the support they need, complementing the statutory provision within the comfort of their own homes.

Judith Williams, Grant Development Officer at Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, expressed the charity’s gratitude: “We’re incredibly thankful to The James Tudor Foundation for their continued generosity. Their support helps us maintain our nursing service, which is a lifeline for many families facing end-of-life care challenges.”

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home offers a comprehensive range of services to individuals with life-limiting illnesses, ensuring they can be cared for at home with dignity, independence, and comfort.