Mental health unit expects more referrals after 'triggering' festive period

Wales' first mental health crisis hub expects to see more young people referred for support after the festive period.

Christmas time "can be triggering" for some young people, according to Bethan Thomas, the crisis team lead at Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb in Carmarthen.

Having opened in 2023, the hub offers support for children and young people in need of urgent care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Its aim is to offer bespoke mental health provision "in the right environment", preventing children and young people from facing long waits and having to attend A&E departments.

Set up by the Hywel Dda health board, it is a safe place for people experiencing emotional difficulties who are aged 12 to 18.

Nikita, 17, from Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, has received support at the hub for around a year, and said: "They bring you back down before it spirals.

[They] play games or take you for walks, which is quite helpful.

"I think it gives you an opportunity to speak to someone before you're in your own thoughts and before it gets worse, where you end up having to go to hospital."

Ms Thomas said it's been quieter leading up to Christmas at the hub, but she believes things will be different after the festive period.

"Christmas time can be triggering for some young people, you spend more time together in a confined space," she said.

"It can be quite stressful, arguments at Christmas, disappointment and you get a build up, don't you, before Christmas.

"Things tend to get a little bit stressful after Christmas, I think we will be seeing a few more young people come in."

Lily, 14, from Swansea has also benefited from the support given at the hub for about two years.

Lily's advice for others finding the festive season difficult is not to be ashamed to ask for help.

"Don't be worried to reach out, it's brave if you do reach out, asking for help is a big thing," she said.

Lara Evans works as a psychiatric nurse at the hub and said part of her job meant she "acknowledges and validates" young people who are experiencing difficulties during the Christmas period.

"It is perceived as a happy time and joyful, when in reality, as we all know, that isn't the case," she said.

Along with colleagues, she will be reassuring youngsters they are not alone.

"It's okay not to feel happy, if that's how they're feeling, and just ask what type of things they do enjoy, offer distractions and go back to basics where it doesn't involve money and presents," she added.

"It's time with family and friends and making sure they have got a point of contact where if they want to be away from that they're able to come here and access the support they need."

She said any young person in need of urgent mental health support should contact 111 option 2, where they can be referred to the hub.

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