About Depression Alliance Cymru
Who are we?
Depression Alliance Cymru, as the Welsh branch of the UK charity Depression Alliance, first opened its office in Whitchurch, Cardiff in 1998. On 1 April 2005 we became an independent charity. There are currently five employees (three full-time and two part-time). We also have over 20 volunteers based throughout Wales who help to facilitate the self-help group network.
Depression Alliance Cymru is the only organisation in Wales whose sole purpose is to provide information and support to the 250,000 people in Wales who are currently experiencing depression and the many more who are affected through the experience of a friend or family member.
We believe that stigma and the prevalence of misconceptions about depression hinders the provision of appropriate services and creates obstacles to individuals seeking help, creating unnecessary and unacceptable suffering. We would like to see services in Wales that are focused on early intervention, recovery and prevention. We believe that a focus on the promotion of good mental health and early intervention would prevent many people from becoming depressed in the first instance and also provide the support and resources required for people to treat their depression before it becomes an extremely serious health risk. We believe that recovery is possible for most people and that an important part of achieving recovery is self-help, which encompasses a variety of activities including gathering information, relaxation, looking after your physical health, interacting with other people and much more.
- We currently support 17 local self-help groups, and the network is constantly being expanded
- We receive over 5,000 telephone calls a year from people requesting advice and information about depression
- We send out over 3,500 free information packs every year
- We run events, conferences and training days for health professionals, employers, organisations and people affected by depression
- We run self-management days for people affected by depression
- We publish a quarterly newsletter for members, GP's, mental health professionals & decision makers
- We produce a range of unique publications that cover a variety of depression related topics
- We conduct research projects that provide insight into the experience of depression and disseminate the results
- We are a founding member of an innovative employment retention project
- We create resources for the self-management of depression and mental health promotion
- We run and support campaigns that seek to reduce stigma and improve services
- We lobby decision makers for fair and effective treatment of people affected by depression
How can we help?
We can provide people affected by depression in Wales with information, support and understanding. We have a free information pack and a broad range of publications. We co-ordinate a network of self-help groups so that people can share experiences and coping strategies with others in similar situations. Our services are available to anybody affected by depression, but by joining as a member you can become part of a growing community who support, empower and champion people affected by depression across Wales.
If you would like to request information, become a member, identify your local group or find out about our volunteering opportunities, then please contact us.