Will the Festive Season Surge Mental Health Referrals?

The opening of Wales' first mental health crisis hub, Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb in Carmarthen, aims to provide vital support for young people, particularly after the festive season when emotional distress often escalates. This 24/7 facility addresses urgent mental health needs for children and adolescents aged 12 to 18, offering a safe environment that diverts them from long waits in A&E departments.

Last updated: 15 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb has quickly established itself as a crucial resource for young people in Carmarthenshire. As the festive period approaches, mental health experts like Bethan Thomas, the crisis team lead, anticipate an increase in referrals, as Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for many youths. The hub aims to provide timely interventions that prevent crises from escalating, thus allowing young individuals to receive care in a supportive environment.

Key takeaways

Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb operates 24/7, catering specifically to young people aged 12 to 18.
Christmas is often a triggering period for mental health issues, leading to increased referrals post-holiday.
The hub provides an alternative to A&E, aiming to reduce long waiting times for mental health support.

Timeline: how we got here

Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb was opened in 2023 by the Hywel Dda health board, marking a significant step in mental health provision in Wales. Key milestones include:

January 2023: Announcement of plans for the mental health crisis hub.
April 2023: Construction and preparation for the facility begin.
October 2023: Official opening of the Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As Christmas approaches, mental health professionals at the hub are preparing for an expected rise in young people seeking support. This reflects broader trends indicating that emotional distress often peaks during and after the holiday season.

What was already established

It has been previously noted that festive periods can exacerbate mental health challenges due to increased stressors such as family dynamics, financial pressures, and unrealistic expectations of happiness. The hub provides a necessary resource for addressing these issues in a timely manner.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The rise in mental health issues among young people during the festive season has implications for families. Awareness of available support options can empower parents to seek timely help for their children, avoiding more severe crises that may arise if issues are left unaddressed.

Businesses and jobs

Increased awareness of youth mental health can lead to greater demand for supportive work environments. Companies may need to consider how they can support employees with children who may be struggling during the holiday season.

Policy and regulation

The establishment of Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb highlights the need for ongoing investment in mental health services in Wales. Upcoming consultations and assessments of effectiveness will likely shape future mental health policy in the region.

Numbers that matter

Approximately 12% of young people aged 5-16 in Wales experience a mental health disorder.
Over 30% of young people report feeling anxious about the festive period, according to recent surveys.
Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb is equipped to support up to 50 young people weekly.

Definitions and jargon buster

Crisis hub: A facility providing immediate support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Hywel Dda health board: The health authority responsible for delivering healthcare services in a region of Wales.
Mental health disorder: A condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, or mood, impacting their daily functioning.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of the festive season, the hub will likely see an influx of young people seeking support. Families should be encouraged to remain vigilant and proactive about mental health issues.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The ongoing evaluation of the hub's effectiveness will be important in shaping future mental health strategies in Wales. Stakeholder engagement will be essential to ensure that the needs of young people are met comprehensively.

Signals to watch

Referral numbers to the hub following the holiday season.
Public health reports on youth mental health trends in Wales.
Feedback from service users and families regarding their experiences at the hub.

Practical guidance

Do

Encourage open discussions about mental health within families.
Seek help early if you notice signs of distress in young people.
Utilise resources like the Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb for immediate support.

Don’t

Ignore signs of emotional distress, thinking they will resolve on their own.
Pressure young people to conform to festive ideals of happiness.
Delay seeking professional help when issues arise.

Checklist

Identify signs of mental health struggles in young people.
Establish a support network for your family.
Know the emergency contacts for mental health services.
Discuss coping strategies for stressful situations.
Encourage participation in enjoyable activities that do not involve financial expenditure.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the establishment of the Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb is a positive step, there remains uncertainty about the long-term effectiveness of such facilities. The fluctuating nature of mental health needs, particularly among young people, means that ongoing assessment and adaptation of services will be necessary. Additionally, there is a risk that not all young people will feel comfortable seeking help, highlighting the need for outreach and awareness campaigns.

Bottom line

As the first mental health crisis hub for young people in Wales, Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb represents a significant advancement in mental health care. With the festive period bringing unique challenges, it is crucial for families to recognise the importance of seeking timely support and understanding that it is okay not to feel happy during this time.

FAQs

What is the Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb?

The Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb is Wales' first mental health crisis hub, providing 24/7 support for children and young people aged 12 to 18 facing urgent mental health issues.

How can young people access support at the hub?

Young people in need of urgent mental health support can contact 111 and select option 2, which will refer them to the Bro Myrddin Wellbeing Hwb.

Why is the festive season challenging for mental health?

The festive season can be triggering due to heightened family interactions, increased expectations, and financial pressures, which may exacerbate existing mental health issues for some young people.