Natasha Asghar MS highlights community need for Tŷ Cynnal Support House

Natasha Asghar MS has visited Platfform’s Tŷ Cynnal Support House in Newport, meeting staff and residents to discuss the work they do as a therapeutic alternative to hospital services for people in crisis. 

Tŷ Cynnal operates as an alternative to stays on hospital wards, offering short-term stays for people in mental health crises or distress and is jointly delivered by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. The house is one of only two support houses in South Wales and offers emotional and practical support for people who have gone through a range of issues including bereavement, social stresses and relationship breakdowns. Residents can be referred to the house by, for example, 111 option 2, GPs and the Health Board. 

Often, residents arrive without anything and on occasion after losing life skills, so Tŷ Cynnal builds healthy routines and provides restful areas for residents, with individual rooms, an art room, garden and staff on site 24/7. Above all, Tŷ Cynnal offers residents safety and comfort away from hospitals. 

Natasha discussed the possible expansion of the work carried out by Tŷ Cynnal with David Rowlands, Head of Policy and Influencing at Platfform and Chloe-Jo Morgan, who manages Tŷ Cynnal.  

Chloe-Jo Morgan said: “Services like Tŷ Cynnal are vital to help people’s mental health, providing support and preventing challenges from getting worse. It’s a privilege to work with people when they need help, and to know that we help re-build lives.” 

David Rowlands added: “Support houses provide a space for people where they can, with staff alongside them, think about what support is helpful, and allow the opportunity to connect, take time out and be heard. More places like that would mean that people could find support at the earliest opportunity, close to their home and community.” 

Tŷ Cynnal runs at a fraction of the cost of hospital care and prevents over 80% of its residents from being discharged back into hospital. 

Natasha said: “Tŷ Cynnal offers a shining example of providing a safe place for residents who are in crisis. The hard work and dedication of the staff to offer 24/7 support and a “home-away-from-home” to residents is clear, and I absolutely believe that more support houses like Tŷ Cynnal should be operating across South Wales. 

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has shown what can be done with mental health support in the community, so I want to see more resources being put into vital services like Tŷ Cynnal. I’ll be raising this with the Deputy Minister to ensure that places like Tŷ Cynnal continue to thrive, as well as to expand to other areas in Wales.”