An information, advice and self-help website focused on mental health and wellbeing. Melo Cymruhas helped more than 105,000 users access resources and materials since its launch in January 2021.
Jackie Williams, program leader for the Melo website and part of the Public Health team at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, said: “As a Public Health team, we knew there were things we could do on a daily basis that had been proven to help improve mental well-being.
Melo Cymru home page (Image: Melo Cymru)
“However, we were aware that this information was not all in one place nor easy to find.
“We wanted people to find this information easily and for the content to be written in a way that was relatable.
“We have launched the Melo website which contains information, advice, free resources and courses that can help our local community look after their mental health.”
Anxiety is the most searched topic, along with ADHD. (Image: Canva)
The Melo Cymru website offers materials, approved by
the health board, on common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, healthy eating, sleep, play, fertility, while providing information aimed at unpaid caregivers, people with ADHD or autism, veterans and students.
Ms Williams explained why a website like this was necessary, saying: “We looked at the evidence and there is a lot of evidence, but I found that the information and guidance was scattered across different websites.
“There was a need for a centralized website and digital platform that provided credible, approved information on topics such as anxiety, long COVID, housing support and homelessness, and fertility.
Some of the 34 themes available through Melo (Image: Melo Cymru)
“The website also offers free advice, resources and courses, while also pointing out mental health support services on offer locally and nationally.”
There are 34 themes on the website so far, which Ms Williams says “have been co-produced with those who have first-hand experience of the themes and experts from local service providers”.
Stephen Ash, 32, is one of the people involved in the project who has first-hand experience of certain issues.
Ash, said: “I have autism and have found that autistic people can sometimes be forgotten, or that medical jargon can prevent you from accessing the information you need.
Sleep is one of the topics on the Melo site, which offers self-help tips to improve sleep, courses to help improve sleep habits and when to contact your GP. (Image: Melo Cymru)
“For example, we may not be able to think of the word, so it is useful to have a list of topics that can help you navigate the site, keeping the words clear and concise.
“From a caregiver perspective, they can use the website to better understand the issues that autistic people face.”
Ash emphasized that the design makes the site “quite easy to navigate,” with shortcuts and guides to help with navigation, like a manual.
The website offers several accessibility features, such as the Reachdeck system, which can translate pages into more than 100 languages, read aloud the text on the page, simplify and arrange pages.
Self-help resources can be found on a variety of topics, pointing users to local libraries, medical services and council services that are available across Gwent. (Image: Melo Cymru)
Jackie Williams said: “The website encourages feedback through an easy-to-use ‘thumbs up and thumbs up’ function.
“It’s a site for the people of Gwent, created with the help of the people of Gwent.”
Think of the website as a set of tools to help you take care of your mental health. – If after visiting the site you still think you need more help, there is a section on the site with details of over 70 helplines/support services.
It will indicate a service such as 111 option 2, which can provide immediate assistance.
The Melo website has been funded by the Welsh Government as part of the Regional Integration Fund.
