BPS hosts ministerial visit in Wales
The British Psychological Society has highlighted psychology’s role in supporting people’s mental health to Sarah Murphy, the Welsh mental health and wellbeing minister.
27 May 2025
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During the visit on Thursday to St Cadocs Hospital, at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, the society and the health board were able to showcase how innovative, evidence-based psychologically led services are making a difference to people's lives.
The minister heard about seven services within the hospital, from those situated at the 'front door' to health services – in primary care – to services addressing the most complex needs of patients in hospitals and the community.
Following presentations on each service, the minister reflected on her experiences both personally and professionally, recognising a greater need for psychologically led interventions in our health pathways.
She acknowledged too the importance of the workforce in delivering support to those with poor mental health, saying that the services highlighted during the visit have allowed patients and their families to have space to heal in a world that is challenging and complex.
Elanor Maybury and Bethan Phillips, co-chairs of the BPS's Welsh Branch of the Division of Clinical Psychology, said:
"We were delighted to have the opportunity to host Sarah Murphy and to be able to shine a light on some of the incredible work being done here.
"The minister was able to hear firsthand how service innovations are resulting in better outcomes for patients as well as cost savings for the health service.
"As psychologists, we know the transformative impact psychology can have on people's lives and that of their families and communities, and we were thrilled to be able to share that with the minister."
In an introductory speech to the visit, Kathryn Walters, joint professional head of psychology, counselling and arts therapies at the health board, explained that the premise of these services is to help people thrive within the context of where they grow up, live and work.
As such, they seek to understand the many factors contributing to a person's distress, so they can provide the most appropriate treatment or intervention.
Referring to the BPS's Psychology Matters programme of work, she added:
"As psychologists, showcasing the impact of our work is not always our top priority, but it's vital that platforms like today's visit, and the Psychology Matters programme exist to highlight the life-changing difference our services make."