Breaking Barriers: How MHM Wales & Digital Communities Wales Are Driving Digital Wellbeing

At Mental Health Matters Wales (MHM Wales), we believe that technology should empower, not exclude. In today’s world, being online is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether it’s accessing mental health support, staying in touch with loved ones, or simply managing day-to-day tasks, digital confidence is essential.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Digital Communities Wales (DCW), delivered by Cwmpas.

This collaboration isn’t just about lending Chromebooks and tablets. It’s about empowering people, building confidence, and making sure digital inclusion is at the heart of mental health and dementia support. It’s about ensuring that everyone—no matter their background, abilities, or experience—has the opportunity to stay connected, access vital services, and feel in control of their lives.

A Partnership Making a Real Difference

Through this initiative, Digital Communities Wales has provided MHM Wales with a number of loaned Chromebooks and a tablet, which will be used to:

✅ Join virtual support groups—because connection shouldn’t be limited by distance.

✅ Access online therapy & mental health resources—because help should be available when it’s needed most.

✅ Use memory tools & cognitive apps—supporting those living with dementia and their carers.

✅ Gain digital confidence—with support from DCW to help individuals feel empowered, not overwhelmed.

✅ Reduce loneliness—by enabling people to connect with family, friends, and online communities.

✅ Navigate online shopping & everyday digital tasks—because learning how to shop online, pay bills, and access government services can boost independence and make life easier.

Speaking about this new partnership, Matthew Bevan, Digital Inclusion Adviser at Digital Communities Wales, said:

"We at Digital Communities Wales are delighted to be able to loan Mental Health Matters some Chromebooks and a tablet so that they can support their service users with their online requirements. We look forward to hearing how these devices benefit the people they support."

Alongside digital access, MHM Wales will be running groups to provide essential digital skills training, ensuring that people feel confident using technology in their daily lives.

John Crocket, Wellbeing Services Coordinator at MHM Wales, highlighted the impact this will have:

"Many of the people we support struggle with digital access, which can leave them feeling isolated or cut off from important services. These new groups will focus on providing basic digital skills, giving people the confidence to navigate the online world—whether that’s accessing mental health support, video calling loved ones, or even just learning how to shop online safely. This partnership will make a real difference."

This isn’t just about helping people access support services—it’s about giving them the skills to manage everyday life in a digital-first world.

Real-Time Data to Drive Change

One of the most exciting parts of this partnership? The power of real-time data.

By using these Chromebooks, we can track engagement, measure impact, and gain valuable insights into how digital inclusion improves mental health and wellbeing. This means:

📊 Better reporting for funders—helping us secure more resources to expand and improve our services.

This isn’t just about lending devices—it’s about using technology to shape the future of mental health support.

The Power of Storytelling

Beyond the numbers, there’s something even more powerful: people’s stories.

That’s why we’re launching a Digital Storytelling Programme, giving people the tools and confidence to share their experiences in their own words. This is about:

🎥 Capturing real-life journeys—through video, photography, and digital media.

🎤 Amplifying voices that need to be heard—because lived experience is powerful.

📖 Breaking down stigma—by sharing authentic stories that challenge misconceptions.

🌍 Creating change—because stories shape services, policies, and communities.

This isn’t just about learning how to use technology—it’s about owning your story and using it to make a difference.

Empowering People to Use Digital for Everyday Life

One of the biggest challenges people face is navigating the digital world confidently. That’s why we’re going beyond mental health support and helping people learn the everyday skills they need to live more independently.

Through this partnership, we’ll be supporting people to:

🛒 Learn how to shop online—from ordering groceries to comparing prices and finding the best deals.

💡 Manage energy bills and household costs—helping people access comparison sites and cut costs

.🏛 Use online banking & government services—giving people the confidence to handle essential tasks safely and securely.

🎟 Book appointments, travel, and social events—because being online isn’t just about necessity—it’s about enjoying life too.

This is about building independence and confidence, not just digital skills.

Aligned with Wales’ Vision for the Future

This partnership isn’t just about what we do today—it’s about building a better future for everyone. That’s why it aligns with The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, ensuring that Wales is:

✅ Healthier—with digital tools supporting mental health, wellbeing, and dementia care.

✅ More equal—by tackling digital exclusion so that everyone has the same opportunities.

✅ Better connected—with technology breaking down barriers to community and support.

✅ More sustainable—ensuring that digital access remains a priority for future generations.

This is about making sure everyone has a place in the digital world—now and in the years to come.

This Partnership is Just the Beginning

At MHM Wales, we believe that technology should work for people, not against them.

This partnership with Digital Communities Wales and Cwmpas is about taking real steps to make sure no one is left behind—whether that’s through better access, stronger digital skills, or the power of storytelling.

And the best part? This is just the start.

We’ll be documenting real-life experiences, sharing success stories, and ensuring that this initiative creates lasting impact. Because when people feel connected, confident, and empowered, amazing things happen.

 

Want to Get Involved?

We’re always looking for ways to grow our community and create new opportunities. If you’d like to find out more, access digital support, or get involved in our Digital Storytelling Programme, reach out at info@mhmwales.org.

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