Expert mental health support available by phone in Carmarthenshire
30 September 2025
People across Carmarthenshire are accessing free, expert mental health support over the phone through the “Active Monitoring” project funded by Tywi Taf GP cluster of Hywel Dda University Health Board.
Delivered by trained professionals from local mental health charity Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind, the programme offers early intervention support for mental health challenges including anxiety, stress, sleep problems, loneliness, grief, anger, and menopause-related issues.
Those referred to the service receive six weeks of guided self-help sessions, offering practical tools and tips to help them better understand their mental wellbeing and feel more in control of their emotions. The waiting time is also low, with most people starting support within two weeks of being referred.
During the session, the person is given space to explore their thoughts, reactions and behaviours in a safe and structured way. Alongside the calls, they receive supportive written materials either by email or post depending on their preference and are encouraged to engage with follow-up resources to reinforce their progress.
Each session is delivered over the phone on a one-to-one basis, at the same time and on the same day each week, helping to establish a sense of routine and consistency.
One person referred to the service said: “This would help anyone with anything they’re going through. It’s a very useful service that’s easy because it’s over the phone. Same time every week as well so it’s a routine.”
To help motivate people and track progress, wellbeing scores are monitored at the beginning and end of the programme. Further support is then offered at Carmarthen Mind or one of their drop-in locations across the county to build on success.
The impact of the service has already been significant. In the last quarter, 58 people were referred to Active Monitoring, and 100% of clients reported improvements in anxiety, depression and overall wellbeing. Feedback from those who have used the service has been overwhelmingly positive.
One person said: “I’ve had 50 years of counselling, and you’ve broken the surface and helped. This is more than just a stop gap service!”
Another added: “This has been the most productive and useful service I have ever had. I find your sessions so much more helpful than the hour-long sessions I’ve had in the past; you have just helped so much.”
Practitioners who delivered the service have also spoken about the difference it makes.
One Active Monitoring Practitioner said: “It’s hard to put into words the difference I’ve seen in clients following Active Monitoring. I love working on this project because it genuinely makes the world a better place!”
Another added: “Having a short amount of scheduled time each week to reflect, to celebrate successes and make improvements where things haven’t gone as hoped may well be the antidote to the stress of modern life.”
Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long-Term Care at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Active Monitoring is improving lives by offering timely, accessible support before people reach crisis point. It’s a simple yet powerful way to intervene early and reduce the need for more serious interventions further down the line.
“This is a brilliant example of how we can bring effective and compassionate mental health support directly to people in our communities.”
Self-referral to the service is available for people living in Carmarthenshire through the online form (opens in a new window) or by contacting Joe Salerno, Active Monitoring Coordinator, at joe@pcmind.org.uk
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