There is increasing recognition of the value of multi-agency approaches to support people with hoarding difficulties. This service evaluation describes and presents preliminary evaluation data for an innovative multi-agency partnership in Wales supporting people with hoarding difficulties. The preliminary service evaluation analysed routine usage and outcome data recorded between January 2024 to July 2024. This included the number of individuals receiving support, referral acceptance rates, demographics of referrals and a range of service outcomes including changes in the quantity of possessions in living spaces, measured using the Clutter Image Rating (CIR) scale, and achievement of service objectives. The service was well-utilised, with 53% achieving positive outcomes upon discharge. The quantity of possessions in living spaces decreased from clinical threshold in 71% of participants from pre- to post-intensive support. The findings are considered in relation to the evidence base for multidisciplinary approaches for hoarding difficulties and the implications for service delivery. Mae gwerth dulliau amlasiantaethol o gefnogi pobl ag anawsterau celcio yn cael ei gydnabod fwyfwy. Mae’r astudiaeth gwerthuso gwasanaeth hon yn disgrifio ac yn cyflwyno data gwerthuso rhagarweiniol ar gyfer partneriaeth amlasiantaeth arloesol yng Nghymru sy’n cefnogi pobl ag anawsterau celcio. Roedd y gwerthusiad rhagarweiniol o’r gwasanaeth yn dadansoddi data defnydd a chanlyniadau arferol a gofnodwyd rhwng mis Ionawr 2024 a mis Gorffennaf 2024. Roedd hyn yn cynnwys nifer yr unigolion sy’n cael cymorth, cyfraddau derbyn atgyfeiriadau, demograffeg atgyfeiriadau ac amrywiaeth o ganlyniadau gwasanaeth gan gynnwys newidiadau yn nifer yr eiddo mewn mannau byw, wedi’u mesur gan ddefnyddio graddfa Sgorio Delwedd Annibendod (CIR), a chyflawni amcanion y gwasanaeth. Roedd defnydd y gwasanaeth yn dda, gyda 53% yn sicrhau canlyniadau cadarnhaol ar ôl cael eu rhyddhau. Gostyngodd nifer yr eiddo mewn mannau byw o drothwy clinigol ymysg 71% o gyfranogwyr cyn cael cymorth dwys ac ar ôl ei gael. Ystyrir y canfyddiadau yng nghyswllt y sylfaen dystiolaeth ar gyfer dulliau amlddisgyblaethol o ran anawsterau celcio a’r goblygiadau ar gyfer darparu gwasanaethau.
Background: Home visitation has emerged as a promising prevention strategy for the escalation of difficulties. Research into practitioners’ experiences of home visiting has been conducted in various populations however, is limited in terms of providing mental health care to children, young people and families. The present study aimed to explore, from the perspective of practitioners within the Family Intervention Team in Gwent, South Wales, the opportunities that offering a service in people’s home provides, with the aim of developing our understanding of best practice in this context. Method: A thematic analysis approach was utilised on semi-structured interviews conducted with eight practitioners. Results: Three themes were identified: General Opportunities, Best Practice and Therapeutic relationships and emotion, with sub-themes relating to settling power imbalances, considerations for scaffolding the intervention and the opportunities that arise from the context. Discussion and conclusion: These findings are discussed in relation to Welsh strategic priorities, attending to power, threat and safety as well as contextual richness. Best practice considerations and future research suggestions are made. Mae ymweliadau cartref wedi dod i’r amlwg fel strategaeth atal addawol ar gyfer uwchgyfeirio anawsterau. Mae ymchwil i brofiadau ymarferwyr o ymweld â chartrefi wedi cael ei gynnal ymysg poblogaethau amrywiol, fodd bynnag, mae’n gyfyngedig o ran darparu gofal iechyd meddwl i blant, pobl ifanc a theuluoedd. Nod yr astudiaeth bresennol oedd archwilio, o safbwynt ymarferwyr yn y Tîm Ymyriadau Teuluol yng Ngwent, De Cymru, y cyfleoedd y mae cynnig gwasanaeth yng nghartrefi pobl yn eu darparu, gyda’r nod o ddatblygu ein dealltwriaeth o’r arferion gorau yn y cyd-destun hwn. Defnyddiwyd dull dadansoddi thematig ar gyfer cyfweliadau lled-strwythuredig a gynhaliwyd gydag 8 ymarferydd. Nodwyd tair thema: Cyfleoedd Cyffredinol, Arfer Gorau a Pherthnasoedd ac Emosiynau Therapiwtig, gydag is-themâu sy’n ymwneud â datrys anghydbwysedd o ran pŵer, ystyriaethau ar gyfer strwythuro’r ymyriad a’r cyfleoedd sy’n deillio o’r cyd-destun. Trafodaeth a chasgliad: Trafodir y canfyddiadau hyn yng nghyswllt blaenoriaethau strategol Cymru, gan roi sylw i bŵer, bygythiad a diogelwch, yn ogystal â chyfoeth cyd-destunol. Gwneir ystyriaethau o ran arfer gorau ac awgrymiadau ymchwil yn y dyfodol.
This article outlines the rationale, strategy and initiatives undertaken to develop compassionate leadership and cultures across NHS Wales. It also explores the implications of these developments for clinical psychologists working within the NHS in Wales. Describing the strategic frameworks, leadership programmes, and evaluation methodologies, the article highlights the systemic approach adopted by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) and its partners to developing compassionate healthcare cultures across Wales. The discussion explores the role of clinical psychologists in contributing to this systemic approach through their influence on leadership, organisational culture, evaluation, clinical practice, and policy advocacy. Mae’r erthygl hon yn amlinellu’r rhesymeg, y strategaeth a’r mentrau a gynhaliwyd i ddatblygu arweinyddiaeth dosturiol a diwylliannau ar draws GIG Cymru. Mae hefyd yn archwilio goblygiadau’r datblygiadau hyn i seicolegwyr clinigol sy’n gweithio yn y GIG yng Nghymru. Gan ddisgrifio’r fframweithiau strategol, y rhaglenni arweinyddiaeth a’r methodolegau gwerthuso, mae’r erthygl yn tynnu sylw at y dull systemig a fabwysiadwyd gan Addysg a Gwella Iechyd Cymru (AaGIC) a’i bartneriaid i ddatblygu diwylliannau gofal iechyd tosturiol ledled Cymru. Mae’r drafodaeth yn archwilio rôl seicolegwyr clinigol wrth gyfrannu at y dull systemig hwn drwy eu dylanwad ar arweinyddiaeth, diwylliant sefydliadol, gwerthuso, ymarfer clinigol, ac eiriolaeth polisi.
Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology (CAAP) is a new psychological profession within the Welsh National Health Service (NHS). In this article, five CAAPs working in a range of adult lifespan services reflect on their journey into the CAAP profession and their role within their service. The article illustrates the versatile nature of the CAAP role and the positive impact of their work for the teams, the communities they support, and for them personally. The article highlights the impact of CAAPs within services, providing support to continue to grow this new workforce in Wales. Mae Cymdeithion Clinigol mewn Seicoleg Gymhwysol (CAAP) yn broffesiwn seicolegol newydd yng Ngwasanaeth Iechyd Gwladol Cymru (GIG). Yn yr erthygl hon, mae pump CAAP sy’n gweithio mewn amrywiaeth o wasanaethau hyd oes oedolion yn myfyrio ar eu taith i broffesiwn CAAP a’u rôl yn eu gwasanaeth. Mae’r erthygl yn dangos natur amlbwrpas rôl CAAP ac effaith gadarnhaol eu gwaith ar y timau, y cymunedau maen nhw’n eu cefnogi, ac iddyn nhw’n bersonol. Mae’r erthygl yn tynnu sylw at effaith CAAP mewn gwasanaethau, gan ddarparu cymorth i barhau i dyfu’r gweithlu newydd hwn yng Nghymru.
This article outlines the development of a DBT-informed skills group for emotional eating across Specialist Weight Management Services in Wales. It also considers the importance of collaboration in developing the group, and implications of collaboration across services for service development. Mae’r erthygl hon yn amlinellu’r broses o ddatblygu grŵp sgiliau ar sail Therapi Ymddygiad Dialectig ar gyfer bwyta emosiynol ar draws Gwasanaethau Rheoli Pwysau Arbenigol yng Nghymru. Mae hefyd yn ystyried pwysigrwydd cydweithio wrth ddatblygu’r grŵp, a goblygiadau cydweithio ar draws gwasanaethau er mwyn datblygu gwasanaethau.
This piece of work describes a reflective analysis of the question ‘Why should Experts by Experience be involved in the clinical training programme?’ from the viewpoint of Experts by Experience (EbEs), trainees and staff engaged in the South Wales Clinical Psychology (SWCP) training programme. Mae’r darn hwn o waith yn disgrifio dadansoddiad myfyriol o’r cwestiwn “Pam ddylai Arbenigwyr drwy Brofiad fod yn rhan o’r rhaglen hyfforddiant clinigol?” o safbwynt Arbenigwyr drwy Brofiad (EbEs), hyfforddeion a staff sy’n ymwneud â rhaglen hyfforddi Seicoleg Glinigol De Cymru (SWCP).
Health policy in Wales emphasises timely assessment and diagnosis of dementia. Higher prevalence of dementia in some ethnic groups, coupled with evidence of inequality in access to timely diagnosis, highlights the need to review the accessibility of Memory Assessment Services (MAS) for people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Standards were developed for MAS care related to these issues from objectives set out in recent Welsh health policy. MAS across two counties of South Wales were audited against these standards in two parts: Firstly, demographic data from a sample of referrals were compared to census data; and secondly, clinicians completed a questionnaire on the adaptions and considerations they make in their clinical work with regards to diversity. A total of 319 referrals were audited. Most clinical records did not contain data for the demographic variables of ethnicity, language, and religion. Proportions of referrals for each sex were analogous to the general population. Clinicians were aware of the implications of sociocultural diversity on dementia assessment, but few were aware of culturally adapted cognitive assessments or resources. The audit tool highlights areas of good practice and challenges in MAS specific to the Welsh context and could be utilised by other services. Recommendations for the MAS audited include consistent recording of patient demographic details to enable monitoring of accessibility for minoritised groups and increasing clinician awareness of culturally adapted assessment resources. Mae polisi iechyd yng Nghymru yn pwysleisio pwysigrwydd cynnal asesiad a diagnosis amserol o ddementia. Mae mwy o achosion o ddementia ymysg rhai grwpiau ethnig, ynghyd â thystiolaeth o anghydraddoldeb o ran mynediad at ddiagnosis amserol, yn tynnu sylw at yr angen i adolygu hygyrchedd Gwasanaethau Asesu’r Cof (MAS) ar gyfer pobl o gefndiroedd ethnig a diwylliannol amrywiol. Datblygwyd safonau ar gyfer gofal Gwasanaethau Asesu’r Cof o ran y materion hyn yn sgil amcanion a nodwyd ym mholisi iechyd diweddar Cymru. Archwiliwyd y MAS mewn dwy sir yn Ne Cymru yn erbyn y safonau hyn mewn dwy ran: Yn gyntaf, cafodd data demograffig o sampl o atgyfeiriadau eu cymharu â data’r cyfrifiad; ac yn ail, cwblhaodd clinigwyr holiadur ar yr addasiadau a’r ystyriaethau y maent yn eu gwneud yn eu gwaith clinigol o ran amrywiaeth. Archwiliwyd cyfanswm o 319 o atgyfeiriadau. Nid oedd y rhan fwyaf o gofnodion clinigol yn cynnwys data ar gyfer newidynnau demograffig ethnigrwydd, iaith a chrefydd. Roedd cyfrannau’r atgyfeiriadau ar gyfer pob rhyw yn cyfateb i’r boblogaeth gyffredinol. Roedd clinigwyr yn ymwybodol o oblygiadau amrywiaeth gymdeithasol-ddiwylliannol ar asesu dementia, ond ychydig oedd yn ymwybodol o asesiadau neu adnoddau gwybyddol a oedd wedi’u haddasu’n ddiwylliannol. Mae’r adnodd archwilio yn tynnu sylw at feysydd o arfer da a heriau mewn MAS sy’n benodol i’r cyd-destun Cymreig a gallai gwasanaethau eraill eu defnyddio. Mae’r argymhellion ar gyfer y MAS a archwiliwyd yn cynnwys cofnodi manylion demograffig cleifion yn gyson er mwyn gallu monitro hygyrchedd ar gyfer grwpiau lleiafrifol, a chynyddu ymwybyddiaeth clinigwyr o adnoddau asesu sydd wedi’u haddasu’n ddiwylliannol.
Maternity services in the UK are under sustained scrutiny following national inquiries that have exposed systemic issues such as poor communication, hierarchical cultures, and psychological unsafety. These pressures contribute to staff burnout, moral distress, and fractured team dynamics. Schwartz Rounds offer a structured, non-problem-solving forum for staff to reflect on the emotional impact of their work. Evidence suggests Schwartz Rounds can enhance psychological wellbeing, empathy, and interpersonal relationships. In maternity settings, where emotional labour and ethical complexity are high, Schwartz Rounds may support team resilience; flattening hierarchies, and fostering a culture of openness, empathy and support. This evaluation explored the acceptability and perceived impact of Schwartz Rounds within Aneurin Bevan University Health Board maternity services. A mixed-methods service evaluation was conducted across five Rounds. Quantitative data were collected using a 9-item King’s Fund evaluation form (N = 79). Open-text responses were analysed thematically. Agreement rates were consistently high: 99% rated stories as relevant (95% CI 95–100%), 96% rated facilitation positively (95% CI 91–99%), 88% intended to re-attend (95% CI 80–93%), and 92% would recommend Schwartz Rounds to colleagues (95% CI 85–96%). Qualitative themes included emotional resonance, psychological safety, connection, and reflective practice as countercultural in a task-driven system. Challenges included timing, vulnerability in large groups, and accessibility. We conclude that Schwartz Rounds were highly acceptable and emotionally supportive, fostering staff connection and reflective capacity. Embedding regular Schwartz Rounds into team governance and wellbeing strategies may enhance sustainability and cultural impact. Mae gwasanaethau mamolaeth yn y DU yn destun craffu parhaus yn dilyn ymchwiliadau cenedlaethol sydd wedi tynnu sylw at broblemau systemig fel cyfathrebu gwael, diwylliannau hierarchaidd, ac anniddigrwydd seicolegol. Mae’r pwysau hyn yn cyfrannu at staff yn gorflino, trallod moesol, a dynameg tîm wedi chwalu. Mae Rowndiau Schwartz yn cynnig fforwm strwythuredig, heb ddatrys problemau, i staff fyfyrio ar effaith emosiynol eu gwaith. Mae tystiolaeth yn awgrymu y gall Rowndiau Schwartz wella llesiant seicolegol, empathi a pherthnasoedd rhyngbersonol. Mewn lleoliadau mamolaeth, lle mae llafur emosiynol a chymhlethdod moesegol yn uchel, gall Rowndiau Schwartz gefnogi gwytnwch tîm, gan sefydlogi hierarchaethau, a meithrin diwylliant o fod yn agored, dangos empathi a chefnogaeth. Roedd y gwerthusiad hwn yn archwilio derbynioldeb ac effaith dybiedig Rowndiau Schwartz yng ngwasanaethau mamolaeth Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Aneurin Bevan. Cynhaliwyd gwerthusiad gwasanaeth dulliau cymysg ar draws pum Rownd. Casglwyd data meintiol gan ddefnyddio ffurflen werthuso 9 eitem King’s Fund (N = 79). Dadansoddwyd ymatebion testun agored yn thematig. Roedd cyfraddau’r cytundeb yn gyson uchel: Roedd 99% o’r farn bod straeon yn berthnasol (95% CI 95-100%), 96% o’r farn bod hwyluso’n gadarnhaol (95% CI 91-99%), 88% yn bwriadu dod eto (95% CI 80–93%), a 92% yn argymell Rowndiau Schwartz i gydweithwyr (95% CI 85–96%). Roedd themâu ansoddol yn cynnwys cyseiniant emosiynol, diogelwch seicolegol, cysylltiad, ac ymarfer myfyriol fel elfen gwrth-ddiwylliannol mewn system sy’n cael ei llywio gan dasgau. Roedd yr heriau’n cynnwys amseru, bregusrwydd mewn grwpiau mawr, a hygyrchedd. Rydym yn dod i’r casgliad bod Rowndiau Schwartz yn dderbyniol iawn ac yn gefnogol yn emosiynol, gan feithrin cysylltiad staff a chapasiti myfyriol. Gall ymgorffori Rowndiau Schwartz rheolaidd mewn strategaethau llywodraethu tîm a lles wella cynaliadwyedd ac effaith ddiwylliannol.
EMDR has a well-established evidence base for treating PTSD/CPTSD with emerging evidence suggesting intensive short-term versions may also be effective. This study investigated a six-day outpatient version of intensive trauma treatment in secondary care NHS settings in Wales with high levels of social deprivation. The multi-component programme consisted of psychoeducation, imaginal exposure, EMDR and a group activity (eg. yoga) each day. Up to six patients attended per cohort and worked with multiple therapists over the six-day intervention. Trauma and depressive symptoms were assessed using the CAPS-5, PCL-5, ITQ, and BDI-II. Measures were completed at assessment plus 4-weeks and 6-months follow-up. We included data from a sample of 56 participants, assessing PTSD/CPTSD in terms of diagnostic status according to ICD-11, reliable improvement, and clinically significant change. We found a high level of recovery from PTSD/CPTSD. Participants reaching threshold for a CPTSD diagnosis reduced from 86% to 22%, and 73% were no longer meeting diagnostic criteria for either PTSD/CPTSD. 72% of participants reliably improved in terms of their depressive symptoms at 4-weeks, increasing to 85% at 6-months. According to the CAPS-5, 78.9% of our sample achieved clinically significant change for PTSD symptoms and 84% were reliably improved at 6-month follow-up. Given the high demand for trauma therapy and waiting list pressures, these results from a short-term trauma intervention within an NHS secondary care mental health service are encouraging. Mae gan EMDR sylfaen dystiolaeth wedi’i sefydlu ar gyfer trin anhwylder straen ôl-drawmatig/anhwylder straen ôl-drawmatig cymhleth (PTSD/CPTSD) gyda thystiolaeth sy’n dod i’r amlwg sy’n awgrymu y gallai fersiynau tymor byr dwys hefyd fod yn effeithiol. Roedd yr astudiaeth hon yn ymchwilio i fersiwn chwe diwrnod i gleifion allanol o driniaeth trawma dwys mewn lleoliadau gofal eilaidd y GIG yng Nghymru gyda lefelau uchel o amddifadedd cymdeithasol. Roedd y rhaglen aml-gydran yn cynnwys seicoaddysg, amlygiad dychmygol, EMDR a gweithgaredd grŵp (e.e. ioga) bob dydd. Daeth hyd at chwe chlaf i bob carfan a gweithio gyda nifer o therapyddion dros yr ymyriad chwe diwrnod o hyd. Aseswyd symptomau trawma ac iselder gan ddefnyddio’r CAPS-5, PCL-5, ITQ, a BDI-II. Cwblhawyd mesurau yn ystod yr asesiad ynghyd â 4 wythnos a 6 mis ar ôl hynny. Fe wnaethom gynnwys data gan sampl o 56 o gyfranogwyr, gan asesu PTSD/CPTSD o ran statws diagnostig yn ôl ICD-11, gwelliant dibynadwy, a newid sylweddol yn glinigol. Gwelsom lefel uchel o adferiad ar ôl PTSD/CPTSD. Roedd nifer y cyfranogwyr a oedd yn cyrraedd y trothwy ar gyfer diagnosis o CPTSD wedi gostwng o 86% i 22%, ac nid oedd 73% bellach yn bodloni’r meini prawf diagnostig ar gyfer PTSD/CPTSD. Roedd 72% o gyfranogwyr wedi gwella’n ddibynadwy o ran eu symptomau iselder ar ôl 4 wythnos, gan gynyddu i 85% ar ôl 6 mis. Yn ôl y CAPS-5, llwyddodd 78.9% o’n sampl i sicrhau newid sylweddol yn glinigol ar gyfer symptomau PTSD ac roedd 84% wedi gwella’n ddibynadwy ar ôl 6 mis. Ac ystyried y galw mawr am therapi trawma a phwysau ar restrau aros, mae’r canlyniadau hyn o ymyriad trawma tymor byr o fewn gwasanaeth iechyd meddwl gofal eilaidd y GIG yn galonogol.
Acknowledgement has been made through research and national policy for the need to offer bilingual services across health and social care, with focus now being drawn to psychological services (Acciaioli & Baily, 2024; Jerrett & Mizen, 2024). A challenge of this, however, is that the number of Welsh-speaking clinical psychologists remains low relative to population need. This must also be considered in the context of limited and increasingly diminished resources available for training clinical psychologists in Wales. Three reflective pieces were written by three authors who are or were training as Welsh-English bilingual clinical psychologists. The authors reflected on varied experiences related to professional training, clinical and academic contexts, and the role of language in meaning and belonging. Following the collective reflection, four recommendations to strengthen bilingual clinical psychology training emerged: (1) Recognise bilingualism as a professional competency, (2) Create structured opportunities to discuss language, (3) Sustain and expand outreach initiatives, and (4) Resource bilingual teaching and supervision. Embedding these actions within training and service delivery would help ensure that clinical psychology in Wales reflects the linguistic and cultural realities of the communities it serves. Cafwyd cydnabyddiaeth drwy ymchwil a pholisi cenedlaethol am yr angen i gynnig gwasanaethau dwyieithog ar draws iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol, gyda mwy o ffocws yn cael ei dynnu at wasanaethau seicolegol (Acciaioli a Baily, 2024; Jerrett a Mizen, 2024). Er hynny, mae nifer y seicolegwyr clinigol sydd yn siarad Cymraeg yn parhau i fod yn isel o gymharu ag anghenion y boblogaeth. Rhaid ystyried hyn hefyd yng nghyd-destun yr adnoddau cyfyngedig a chynyddol lai sydd ar gael i hyfforddi seicolegwyr clinigol yng Nghymru. Ysgrifennwyd tri darn myfyriol gan dri awdur sydd yn hyfforddi neu sydd wedi hyfforddi fel seicolegwyr clinigol Cymraeg-Saesneg dwyieithog. Myfyriodd yr awduron ar brofiadau amrywiol yn ymwneud â hyfforddiant proffesiynol, cyd-destunau clinigol ac academaidd, a rôl iaith o ran ystyr a pherthyn. Yn dilyn y myfyrio ar y cyd, daeth pedwar argymhelliad i gryfhau hyfforddiant seicoleg glinigol dwyieithog i’r amlwg: (1) Cydnabod dwyieithrwydd fel cymhwysedd proffesiynol, (2) Creu cyfleoedd strwythuredig i drafod iaith, (3) Cynnal ac ehangu mentrau allgymorth, a (4) Darparu adnoddau ar gyfer addysgu a goruchwylio dwyieithog. Byddai gwreiddio’r camau hyn mewn hyfforddiant a darparu gwasanaethau yn helpu i sicrhau bod seicoleg glinigol yng Nghymru yn adlewyrchu realiti ieithyddol a diwylliannol y cymunedau y mae’n eu gwasanaethu.
This paper documents the development and collaborative process that produced Matrics Learning disability (Improvement Cymru, 2025), a practitioner-led guidance for psychological interventions with children, young people and adults with a learning disability across the lifespan in Wales. It outlines the context in which this national guidance was developed, the remit of the work, and the community-inclusive methods we used to integrate practice-based evidence alongside research evidence. The content and rationale of each section of the guidance is outlined. This differs from existing national frameworks Matrics Cymru (Public Health Wales, 2017) and Matrics Plant (Public Health Wales, 2020) and illustrates why this guidance was required to meet the needs of people with a learning disability across the lifespan. Reflections on the learning journey, the uniqueness of a Welsh, co-produced resource are discussed, along with ideas for the work ahead to embed, evaluate, and continuously improve psychologically informed, equitable services for people with a learning disability. Mae’r papur hwn yn dogfennu’r broses ddatblygu a chydweithredol a gynhyrchodd Matrics Anabledd Dysgu (Gwelliant Cymru, 2025), canllawiau dan arweiniad ymarferwyr ar gyfer ymyriadau seicolegol gyda phlant, pobl ifanc ac oedolion ag anabledd dysgu ar hyd eu hoes yng Nghymru. Mae’n amlinellu cyd-destun y canllawiau cenedlaethol hyn, cylch gwaith y broses, a’r dulliau cymunedol-gynhwysol a ddefnyddiwyd gennym i integreiddio tystiolaeth sy’n seiliedig ar ymarfer ochr yn ochr â thystiolaeth ymchwil. Amlinellir cynnwys a rhesymeg pob adran o’r canllawiau. Mae hyn yn wahanol i fframweithiau cenedlaethol presennol Matrics Cymru (Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru, 2017) a Matrics Plant (Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru, 2020) ac mae’n dangos pam roedd angen y canllawiau hyn i ddiwallu anghenion pobl ag anabledd dysgu ar hyd eu hoes. Trafodir myfyrdodau ar y daith ddysgu, natur unigryw adnodd Cymreig wedi’i gyd-gynhyrchu, ynghyd â syniadau ar gyfer y gwaith sydd o’n blaenau i wreiddio, gwerthuso a gwella gwasanaethau teg sy’n seiliedig ar seicoleg yn barhaus i bobl ag anabledd dysgu.
Background: Students in UK universities face barriers accessing routine mental health care. Cardiff Universities Psychological Therapies Clinic piloted a university-based CBT service with routine outcome monitoring. Method: This preliminary service evaluation summarises the first 10 months. Students were assessed by an NHS university liaison service and met criteria for NHS care. Disorder-specific CBT was delivered by trainee therapists with weekly supervision. Analyses used paired, available-case comparisons of Week 1 and Week 12 scores on PHQ-9, GAD-7, WSAS (reported descriptively), and CORE-10. Within-person change was tested with paired t-tests, and clinical significance was summarised among baseline cases as recovery and reliable improvement with exact 95% confidence intervals. Results: Forty-six treatment episodes commenced. Of 410 scheduled sessions, 86% were attended. Across measures, paired mean scores improved significantly with large within-person effects. Reliable improvement and recovery rates were calculated, indicating clinical improvement. Conclusions: A university-based NHS training CBT clinic achieved high engagement and clinically meaningful pre–post improvements over 12 weeks. Findings support the feasibility of delivering university-based evidence-based therapy in a training context and justify continued evaluation with larger samples and follow-up. Mae myfyrwyr ym mhrifysgolion y DU yn wynebu rhwystrau rhag cael mynediad at ofal iechyd meddwl arferol. Treialodd Clinig Therapïau Seicolegol Prifysgol Caerdydd wasanaeth Therapi Gwybyddol Ymddygiadol (CBT) yn y brifysgol gyda dull monitro canlyniadau fel mater o drefn. Mae’r gwerthusiad rhagarweiniol hwn o’r gwasanaeth yn crynhoi’r 10 mis cyntaf. Cafodd myfyrwyr eu hasesu gan wasanaeth cyswllt prifysgol ac roeddent yn bodloni meini prawf gofal y GIG. Darparwyd CBT sy’n benodol i anhwylder gan therapyddion dan hyfforddiant gyda goruchwyliaeth wythnosol. Mae’n dadansoddi cymariaethau achos a ddefnyddiwyd mewn parau, sydd ar gael o sgoriau Wythnos 1 ac Wythnos 12 ar PHQ-9, GAD-7, WSAS (wedi’u cofnodi’n ddisgrifiadol), a CORE-10. Profwyd newid wyneb yn wyneb gyda phrofion-t wedi’u paru, a chrynhowyd arwyddocâd clinigol ymhlith achosion sylfaenol fel adferiad a gwelliant dibynadwy gyda chyfyngau hyder union 95%. Dechreuodd 46 o gyfnodau triniaeth. O’r 410 o sesiynau a drefnwyd, roedd 86% yn bresennol. Ar draws mesurau, roedd sgoriau cymedrig wedi’u paru wedi gwella’n sylweddol gydag effeithiau mawr wyneb yn wyneb. Cyfrifwyd cyfraddau gwella ac adfer dibynadwy, sy’n dangos gwelliant clinigol. Dangosodd y gwerthusiad fod clinig CBT yn y brifysgol wedi sicrhau lefel uchel o ymgysylltu a gwelliannau clinigol ystyrlon cyn ac ar ôl y clinig dros 12 wythnos. Mae’r canfyddiadau’n cefnogi dichonoldeb darparu therapi sy’n seiliedig ar dystiolaeth yn y brifysgol ac yn cyfiawnhau gwerthuso parhaus gyda samplau mwy a gwaith dilynol.
The Cardiff University Traumatic Stress Research Group is a multidisciplinary collaboration between Cardiff University researchers and clinicians within Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, established approximately 20 years ago. The group’s work spans four core areas: developing and evaluating digital guided self-help interventions, investigating the phenomenology and predictors of complex PTSD, conducting systematic evidence reviews, and fostering international collaborations. A central achievement is the Spring programme – a therapist-guided digital intervention for PTSD shown to be non-inferior to trauma-focused CBT in a multisite RCT, now recommended by NICE and implemented across Welsh health boards. Adapted versions targeting prolonged grief disorder, complex PTSD, military veterans, and young people are under development. The group’s experience highlights the value of NHS–academic partnerships in bridging the gap between clinical practice and research, promoting evidence-informed care and building research capacity within trauma services. Mae Grŵp Ymchwil Straen Trawmatig Prifysgol Caerdydd yn gydweithrediad amlddisgyblaethol rhwng ymchwilwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd a chlinigwyr ym Mwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Caerdydd a’r Fro, a sefydlwyd tua 20 mlynedd yn ôl. Mae gwaith y grŵp yn cwmpasu pedwar maes craidd: datblygu a gwerthuso ymyriadau hunangymorth dan arweiniad digidol, ymchwilio i ffenomenoleg a rhagfynegyddion PTSD cymhleth, cynnal adolygiadau systematig o dystiolaeth, a meithrin prosesau cydweithredu rhyngwladol. Un o’r cyflawniadau canolog yw rhaglen y Gwanwyn - ymyrraeth ddigidol dan arweiniad therapydd ar gyfer PTSD y dangoswyd nad yw’n amharu ar CBT sy’n canolbwyntio ar drawma mewn hapdreial wedi’i reoli aml-safle, sydd bellach yn cael ei argymell gan NICE ac yn cael ei roi ar waith ar draws byrddau iechyd Cymru. Mae fersiynau wedi’u haddasu sy’n targedu anhwylder galar hir, PTSD cymhleth, cyn-filwyr a phobl ifanc wrthi’n cael eu datblygu. Mae profiad y grŵp yn tynnu sylw at werth partneriaethau academaidd y GIG wrth bontio’r bwlch rhwng ymarfer clinigol ac ymchwil, hyrwyddo gofal sy’n seiliedig ar dystiolaeth a meithrin gallu ymchwil mewn gwasanaethau trawma.
Multi-agency early intervention is integral in improving outcomes and promoting quality of life for young people with learning disabilities and their systems of support. The Child and Adolescent Learning Disability Service facilitates Multi-Agency Consultations (MACs) once a school term across each of the five boroughs of Gwent, to encourage early intervention and multi-agency collaboration. MACs offer a space for solution-focused team formulation and aim to upskill the professional systems around the young person. To evaluate the MACs and shape service delivery, focus groups were undertaken with nine professionals from health, education, and social care, to reflect on the benefits of MACs and areas for improvement. Thematic analysis was conducted to derive three themes: Structure, Process and Access, Benefits of Collaborative Working, and Resource Constraints. Reflections and clinical implications are discussed. Mae ymyrraeth gynnar aml-asiantaeth yn rhan annatod o wella canlyniadau a hyrwyddo ansawdd bywyd pobl ifanc ag anableddau dysgu a’u systemau cymorth. Mae’r Gwasanaeth Anabledd Dysgu Plant a Phobl Ifanc yn hwyluso Ymgynghoriadau Amlasiantaeth (MACs) unwaith y tymor ysgol ar draws pob un o bum bwrdeistref Gwent, er mwyn annog ymyrraeth gynnar a chydweithio amlasiantaethol. Mae’r Ymgynghoriadau hyn yn cynnig lle i ffurfio tîm sy’n canolbwyntio ar atebion a’u nod yw uwchsgilio’r systemau proffesiynol o amgylch y person ifanc. Er mwyn gwerthuso’r Ymgynghoriadau a llywio’r gwaith o ddarparu gwasanaethau, cynhaliwyd grwpiau ffocws gyda naw gweithiwr proffesiynol o feysydd iechyd, addysg a gofal cymdeithasol, i fyfyrio ar fanteision Ymgynghoriadau a meysydd i’w gwella. Cynhaliwyd dadansoddiad thematig i ganfod tair thema: Strwythur, Proses a Mynediad, Manteision Cydweithio, a Chyfyngiadau Adnoddau. Trafodir myfyrdodau a goblygiadau clinigol.
This ethics column is a warning. We are at a critical juncture for the future of humanity. I don’t use these words lightly, but they echo the various presentations at the Emergency Briefing for Parliamentarians (National Emergency Briefing on the Climate and Nature Crisis, 2025) last year on the climate crisis. We cannot continue business as usual when there are such clear indications of a catastrophic future. As psychologists we need to work out what ‘not business as usual’ looks like.
Equality, diversity and inclusion within clinical psychology have been a key focus for the profession in recent years, with the recognition that the workforce is not representative of the communities it serves. Limited diversity in the workforce is reflected in early career posts including in the assistant psychologist workforce. To begin to address systemic barriers to accessing early career posts, this article describes an NHS Trusts internal pilot of Multiple Mini Interviews to increase equality within the recruitment of assistant psychologists. The purpose of the internal pilot was to explore how assistant psychologists experience the use of virtual MMIs (vMMIs) within recruitment and consider adaptations that may be needed to optimise the use of vMMIs within this workforce. Assistant psychologists completed a vMMI and a subsequent focus group. The data from the focus group was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Overall, assistant psychologists experienced vMMIs as a positive move to increase equality at interview and an important step in seeking to diversify the workforce. Three themes were identified in the data: the importance of reciprocity within the interview process, interviewing for values and adjusting to vMMI. From the data, six recommendations for adapting vMMIs for the recruitment of assistant psychologists are provided.
This article argues that lived experience and peer support principles are valuable assets in clinical psychology training. This is illustrated through reflections on a placement integrating the dual lived experience and clinical psychology identities of a trainee exploring peer support options in a learning disability service, where these roles remain rare. This process is reflected upon through the lens of Intentional Peer Support (IPS) principles that emerged organically in both lived experience and clinical psychology supervision accessed during placement.
Brain tumours significantly impact psychological well-being for patients and their carers. Clinical guidelines suggest that psychological support should be an integrated aspect of neuro-oncology care. Due to limited resources and additional barriers to access for this clinical group, many people do not receive the psychological support they need. Some people may need more intensive one-to-one therapy, whereas others may not require this level of input or may find it difficult to engage with. At King’s College Hospital, in 2022, we introduced a psychological educational workshop as a standard part of care, aiming to increase the number of people receiving the appropriate level of intervention for their needs. The workshop was based upon principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy to consider life following brain cancer treatment and to normalise the understandable psychological impact of living with the effects of a brain tumour. By the end of 2023, the group was established as an embedded component of the neuro-oncology pathway and received regular attendance. Many attendees were not referred for further therapeutic support after the group, indicating that the workshop alone provided sufficient intervention. Others were referred for additional support, which might have been delayed or missed if they had not attended the workshop. Going forwards, continuous adaptation to the psychological education workshop will be necessary to maximise its accessibility. It will also be important to consider how this psychological intervention format may benefit other clinical populations where psychological need is high, but barriers exist in accessing support.
This paper reflects upon the piloting of a co-produced parenting group for women detained in a low secure unit (LSU) in the UK. Acknowledging the detrimental impact of parental detention on child development and the lack of therapeutic support for detained parents, the group aimed to provide a safe space for participants to explore their unique parenting challenges and build their confidence as parents despite the limitations of their situation.
