A LOCAL Senedd member has raised the threatened Shadows Depression Support Group in the Senedd, highlighting the lifesaving work they do.

Joyce Watson MS for Mid and West Wales raised the issue of Shadows being potentially forced to close in the Senedd on Tuesday, June 13 after visiting the Garnant-based mental health support group.

Shadows has been funded by the Hywel Dda University Health Board for the past three years, providing vital support to around 1,600 people in the Amman and Gwendraeth Valleys as well as helping alleviate the pressure on the local GP surgeries, but they were told in the last couple of weeks that this funding would not be renewed.

This would mean that Shadows faces closure in September, leaving its members in potentially dangerous circumstances.

Ms Watson recently visited the group’s Garnant base to meet with staff, volunteers and clients. She said: “It was inspiring and moving, seeing the difference their work had made. In too many cases, their help was literally lifesaving.

“Shadows provides a vital service to local people at a time of crisis and is currently helping over 1,600 people.”

She raised the concerns with First Minister Mark Drakeford, asking him what the Welsh Government is doing to support mental health provision in the region and highlighting Shadows’ plight.

“Last week, I visited Shadows Depression Support Group in Garnant, which is facing funding cuts.

"They are doing vital work in the community, and it would be a significant blow to lose that support. So, post covid, can you assure residents of the Amman and Gwendraeth Valleys that mental health provision will remain a priority for your government?”.

She also highlighted the good work done by Hywel Dda University Health Board on mental health support, including being the first in Wales to roll out the 111 press 2 service to allow individuals to speak to a mental health practitioner.

Mr Drakeford explained that Powys and Hywel Dda health boards have received £4.5 million in recurrent funding to improve mental health services over the last two years, and agreed that Hywel Dda was doing good work in this area.

He also said the issue will be raised with Hywel Dda in a meeting next month. Mr Drakeford said: “As far as the Garnant service is concerned, my understanding is that this is a decision of the local primary care health cluster.

"So, these are GPs who get together to commission services. They are often time limited.

“It’s the job of the cluster to review the service, to decide whether that investment is giving the greatest return for their local populations.

"Now, the minister responsible for mental health services will be in Hywel Dda next month, together with the designated member.

"I’m sure there will be opportunities to discuss the progress that is being made in pan-Hywel Dda services, but also to take up some of the specific points that Joyce Watson has raised this afternoon.”

Ms Watson said: “I am pleased that this matter will be raised at the ministerial meeting with Hywel Dda, and I will continue to look for ways to support the project’s vital work.”