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New website launched for young people in Wales who experience psychosis

Experiencing psychosis can be an incredibly distressing experience. A new website hopes to make it easier for people to find support, and to improve the public’s understanding of the mental health problem.

For young people in Wales who experience the symptoms of psychosis, they are supported by the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Service.

The EIP service focuses on the early detection of symptoms and supporting people in their recovery from psychosis, specifically working with those who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis or are within a three-year period of diagnosis.

Screenschot of the Psychosis Wales website showing an image of young people looking out at a sunny view, and the menu options at the top of the homepage.

Developed by NHS Wales Executive and the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH), the new Psychosis Wales website provides:

  • information on the services available in Wales
  • advice for people in crisis
  • guidance and information for friends, families and carers of people who have experienced the condition
  • opportunities for people to take part in research
  • and resources for staff working in the EIP services

Maleeha Akbar, from Cardiff, experienced psychosis in 2020 and has been supported in her recovery by Headroom, a first-episode psychosis service. She has also helped to create the new website, along with other members of the public who have lived experience of the condition.

In 2020, I couldn’t imagine my life getting any better. But for the past four years, Headroom stood with me and proved me wrong through doubt and fear. They’ve helped build up my confidence, strength and resilience. I am truly grateful and proud of them and myself for reaching recovery.

“The website looks amazing, and it’s been an honour to be involved in the development process as a person with lived experience of psychosis. It also shows other people with lived experience that their opinions and advice matter to co-produce resources like this. Without their involvement, I don’t think the website would’ve reached its full potential. This new website is so much more meaningful and useful for service users, family and carers and other EIP services.”

Screenshot of the page options on the Psychosis Wales website. Understanding psychosis, myth busting, recovery, helpful linksUnderstanding psychosis

Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to experience or interpret things differently from those around them. It is sometimes called a ‘loss of touch’ with reality.

Experiencing the symptoms of psychosis is often referred to as having a psychotic episode. A person might experience it once, have repeated episodes, or live with it most of the time.

Everyone’s experience of psychosis is different but there are some signs and symptoms which may be similar. The most common types of psychotic experiences are hallucinations, unusual beliefs and disorganised thinking and speech.

Take part and learn more

Professor James Walters, who leads on this area of research for the National Centre for Mental Health at Cardiff University, explained:

It’s fantastic to see this new resource on psychosis available for young people in Wales. As well as having the key information on where you can get support when you need it, it’s important that we continue to raise awareness of psychosis to improve the public’s understanding and what to look out for when a friend or family member might be experiencing it. The site will also give us the opportunity to share the latest research opportunities available.

Dominique Bird, acting national director for Quality Safety and Improvement, NHS Wales Executive said: “We are delighted to have supported the development of the new Psychosis Wales website which provides a renewed commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and empowering young people affected by psychosis.

“Thank you to colleagues at Cardiff University and our partners who have produced an accessible new resource with valuable tools and guidance, which will provide vital support needed for understanding, managing, and caring for those experiencing psychosis, ensuring brighter pathways to recovery and understanding.”

To learn more about psychosis and the services available in Wales to support young people affected by the condition visit psychosis.wales.

Learn more

Catrin Hopkins

Catrin is the Communications Manager for NCMH and Cardiff University's Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics

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