“We need to think more broadly and creatively about how we
support people’s mental health and wellbeing,” Deputy Minister
for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said as she launched the new
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Suicide and
Self-Harm Strategy for consultation today (Tuesday 20 February).
The draft strategies, out for consultation until 11 June, aim to
change how we think about mental health, empower people to
improve their mental health and remove the barriers and stigma
around getting help.
With half of mental health conditions impacting people by the age
of 14 and 75% by the age of 23, there is a strong focus on
prevention through ensuring everyone has equal access to the
things they need to maintain good mental health, like exercise,
the natural environment and belonging to the community.
There is also a focus on the wider causes of mental health and
suicide prevention –including housing, employment and finances –
and sets out work is needed across the whole Government and
across sectors to improve mental health and wellbeing and to
reduce suicide and self-harm in Wales.
Some groups are at greater risk of poor mental health than others
and inequalities can contribute to poor mental health. This is
why the strategies will promote equity of access, experience and
outcome for all.
When people do need help, the strategies recognise that people’s
needs are diverse and not everyone will need access to clinical
or specialist mental health services. The aim is to build on the
success of easy to access support like 111 press 2 and online
cognitive behavioural therapy, alongside broader approaches to
continue to improve support in schools and workplaces. This will
provide a ‘no wrong door’ approach to support mental health and
well-being.
Speaking ahead of the launch of the draft strategies, at The
Hangout, Cardiff-based mental health and wellbeing hub for young
people, The Deputy Minister of Mental Health and Wellbeing,
said:
“Good mental health is as critical to our wellbeing as physical
health, and it is affected by so many things in our lives. It is
not just a health and social care issue; we need all parts of
society and Government to work together to help people maintain
good mental health.
“We need to change how we talk about and support mental health
issues, to better reflect the needs of individuals. We have
listened to a range of views in developing the strategies and
people have told us not to medicalise mental health. For most
people, whilst they do need support, they don’t necessarily need
clinical or specialised mental health services.
“The centre hosting the launch today in Cardiff, is the
result of partnership working between Cardiff and Vale University
Health Board and Platfform. It is innovative approach to
providing trauma informed and compassionate support for young
people in a safe and comfortable environment. We need all sectors
working together, recognising their role in supporting mental
health and well-being.”
Ewan Hilton, Chief Executive of Platfform, said:
“We are delighted to be at the Hangout today, as the strategy
consultation is launched. The wellbeing hub here is an example of
a new mental health approach we advocate for, which
is judgement free, compassionate, and accessible. It is a
place where people can connect to others and get support when
they need it – and we are really proud of this approach.
“We will be engaging with the consultation, recommending
progressive approaches and championing the excellent work already
happening.”
Katie Simpson, Deputy General Manager for Children, Young People
& Family Health Services at Cardiff and Vale UHB, said:
“The Hangout has allowed us to redefine how children and young
people across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan access mental
health and emotional wellbeing support.
“Our aim is always to ensure that children and young people
receive the right support at the right time in the right place
and hopefully The Hangout reaffirms our commitment to deliver
this.
“It’s been a fantastic journey and seeing the ideas of your young
people finally come to fruition through a coproduced service is
an amazing milestone. We look forward to continuing to work
collaboratively with young people and Platfform to develop and
continuously improve services.”
continued:
“Suicide and self-harm have a devasting impact on families, loved
ones, professionals and communities. Whilst suicide and
self-harm are complex, they are preventable and never inevitable.
There is a prevailing misconception that people who die by
suicide have a mental health problem or illness. This strategy
will work to better understand the causes and who are the most
vulnerable groups, so we can deliver rapid and impactful
prevention, intervention and support.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Notes
Strategies available on request and will be on the Welsh
Government website tomorrow.
The two strategies make important links to other Welsh Government
priorities, including our Anti-racist Wales Action Plan and the
recently published Child Poverty Strategy.
