HYWEL Dda Health Charities is launching its annual Christmas Give a Gift Appeal - and this year it will support adults accessing mental health services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The appeal, which launched on Monday, November 16, runs over a six-week period and encourages local communities to purchase a gift from a selection of items which have been carefully chosen by the health board’s occupational therapists that will be of benefit to younger adults helped at home, in hospital and in the community.

The Give a Gift wish list can be found by visiting: www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Mental Health Teams care for patients in a safe and supportive environment. The teams have carefully chosen gift items that will be of most benefit to their patients.

The gifts chosen for this year’s Give a Gift Appeal include items such as arts and craft materials, musical instruments and pamper items to support wellbeing and self-care.

Adults in all three counties will benefit from the gifts purchased.

Nicky Thomas, Hywel Dda’s Professional Lead Occupational Therapist for Mental Health, said they were delighted that mental health services are a part of the Give a Gift Appeal for 2020.

“The items on the wish list will make a huge difference to our patients and will allow staff to support individuals with physical and emotional well-being, confidence building and promoting independence in everyday activities,” Nicky said.

“We as a team are always looking for ways to enhance the lives of the adults that we work with and would like to thank everyone in advance for their tremendous support and generosity."

Sara Rees, Interim Head of Nursing, Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, said: “We are delighted to launch our Give a Gift Appeal for the fifth year running with the aim of making Christmas extra special for our adult patients accessing mental health services.

“Each gift purchased will make a real difference this Christmas and we will be very grateful for any support.”

Hywel Dda Health Charities is the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board and supports patients, staff and services within the board’s three counties, over and above what the NHS is able to provide.

For further information about the appeal, please contact the fundraising team on 01267 239815 or fundraising.hyweldda@wales.nhs.uk