Jan 21, 2025

Lymphoedema Patients to Benefit from Online Mental Health Support

NHS Wales’ digital wellbeing service has partnered with a pioneering clinic to help patients manage the mental health impacts of Lymphoedema and Lipalgia Syndrome.

The Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network (LWCN) has established a psychological support service—the only one of its kind in the UK—after patients shared the emotional challenges of living with these conditions.

Patients often reported that their physical symptoms were accompanied by depression, anxiety, and concerns about appearance.

To enhance support, the service’s two psychologists are now offering direct referrals to SilverCloud® Wales, a suite of online, self-help courses based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

A Timely and Preventative Approach

Dr. Jayne Williams, National Lymphoedema Consultant Psychologist for LWCN, described the initiative as an exciting development:

“We’re looking at different ways for people to access psychological therapies—SilverCloud being one of them. The aim is to provide timely, preventative support before people get to crisis point.

“As SilverCloud is online, it has the capacity to reach many more people than we could see face-to-face, and its flexibility means that it fits around busy work and family lives.

“Being able to offer something that patients can do in their own way, at their own pace is brilliant.”

Inspired by Patient Feedback

According to NHS Wales Online CBT Project Manager, Fionnuala Clayton, feedback from a “Living Well with Lymphoedema” event inspired the new referral pathway.

“Patients wanted to feel as though they were not alone and that they still had a healthy and happy life despite their condition. They wanted easy access to support for building resilience alongside help to help themselves.

“Coming away from the event, we knew a referral pathway would support many patients across Wales.”

About Lipalgia Syndrome and Lymphoedema

Lipalgia Syndrome, also known as Lipoedema, involves an abnormal build-up of adipose fatty tissue, usually in the lower body, and more commonly affects women.

Lymphoedema is a long-term condition caused by a damaged or poorly functioning lymphatic system. This can result from factors like obesity, surgery, cancer treatment, infection, or injury.

Both conditions can cause significant physical and emotional challenges, including swollen and painful limbs, anxiety around body image, and feelings of isolation.

Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of ongoing support:

“These are conditions that people have to learn to live alongside forever, which can be incredibly difficult. We see lots of people with very low mood, anxiety around body image, and intimacy. Feeling judged or being unable to find clothes or shoes that fit can impact identity and social confidence.”

Accessible Support and Services

Around 25,000 people across Wales use LWCN services. Local health board lymphoedema services can refer individuals to the psychology service within the National Lymphoedema Team, hosted by Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Some patients have been referred to SilverCloud’s Space for Positive Body Image programme after attending body image workshops. Other courses include support for anxiety, depression, and stress.

Anyone in Wales aged 16 or over can self-refer to SilverCloud without seeing a GP.

Fionnuala Clayton added: “We’re delighted to onboard the Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network. This has been a collaborative effort between services, working together to identify how best to support patients living with Lipalgia Syndrome and Lymphoedema.”

Find Out More

For further information and support on Lymphoedema and Lipalgia Syndrome, visit LWCN.

To self-refer to SilverCloud Wales, visit SilverCloud NHS Wales.


This formatting is ready for web use and adheres to a clear and user-friendly layout. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!