New research project aims to help shape post-Covid mental health support in Wales

Researchers behind a major new study charting how the people of Wales have coped with coronavirus are appealing for volunteers to share their experiences.

The study, by Cardiff and Swansea universities, is examining what impact coronavirus has had on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the Welsh population.

The team is looking for people to sign up and be a part of the project which will help the NHS in Wales to not only understand the issues affecting the population in Wales, but also to shape support services for the future.

Wales-Wellbeing was launched this week and sees all seven health boards in Wales working together on this unique project.

Professor Robert Snowden, from Cardiff University’s School of Psychology, said: Coronavirus has dramatically changed our lives. For many this will have had a detrimental effect on their mental health and wellbeing - but for others it may actually have helped them to focus on what is important.

“Our survey will let us see how people have been affected and therefore how we can respond as a country to this new reality.”

The initial survey will remain open for three weeks and the data collected then analysed. The results will be fed back to the NHS and partner agencies so they can learn how best to support the local population through the pandemic and beyond.

This process will then be repeated with other surveys over the coming months, as Welsh communities face up to the challenges of coronavirus and its consequences on the economy and employment.

Swansea University’s Professor Nicola Gray, who is leading the study, said: “This is a very important area of research that will help the NHS to track the wellbeing needs of the population over the different stages of the pandemic.

“Different parts of Wales may have different needs and demands at different stages of the pandemic, so it is very important to be able to tailor this provision to help people where and when they need it.”

To take part visit the Wales-Wellbeing website to sign up or to find out more information. All survey responses are anonymous.