A number of Carmarthenshire mental health projects have been given funding support from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.

The funding, which amounts to more than £500,000, is aimed at bolstering mental health services across the county.

The projects benefiting from this financial boost range from well-established national organisations such as Mind and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, to local youth groups and specialist support charities.

The fund is supporting Llanelli Mind to run its Supported Self-Help Programme, providing people with the skills and opportunities to understand, protect, and improve their mental health.

The programme will offer support with all common mental health problems such as anxiety, grief, loneliness, low self-esteem, depression, anger management, stress, and understanding menopause.

The Jac Lewis Foundation, PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, Carmarthenshire & Cross Hands Autistic Mams Association, Llandovery Youth and Community Centre, 1st Llanelli Scout Group, Mess up the Mess, and People Speak Up are among the youth-oriented projects supported by the SPF.

The fund also supports a wide range of other projects including The Angor - Community Engagement/Wellbeing Project, Radio BGM, and The Dolen Teifi Community Transport project.

These projects assist vulnerable individuals and their families, provide a local voice and companionship for hospital patients, and address the lack of transport for residents, enabling them to improve their wellbeing through accessing services.

The Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) aims to address the increase in mental health issues among young people following the COVID-19 pandemic through a combination of preventative and supportive services.

The investment in youth support services like People Speak Up and various youth clubs and groups aims to reduce the rate of referrals to NHS services.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s customer services are also on hand to offer help, support, and advice about what services are available to combat the lasting effects of mental health.

The council's Hwbs, located in Ammanford, Carmarthen and Llanelli, work closely with a number of charities and organisations in order to give Carmarthenshire residents the best tools to cope with their mental health.

The council’s rural customer service team, Hwb Bach Y Wlad, also travels around the county offering support.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, leisure, culture, and tourism, Councillor Hazel Evans, said: "Carmarthenshire County Council is committed to combatting the long-lasting impact of mental health struggles by providing links to much-needed help and support.

"The work that is being undertaken by the Shared Prosperity Fund is making it easier for people to get the support they need.

"If you are struggling with your mental health, I urge you to reach out to someone who will be able to help."

For those seeking support, GPs are available to help, or alternatively, Delta Well-Being can be contacted on 0300 333 2222 for information, advice, and support.

The Mental Health Helpline for Wales offers emotional support and information.

Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a relative or friend can access the service by calling direct on 0800 132 737.