Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:45 pm on 14 May 2024.
We're currently consulting on our new mental health and well-being strategy, which sets out our vision for the next 10 years. Now, I want to pay tribute to the huge amount of work my predecessor, Lynne Neagle, has done in this portfolio, particularly in developing the new mental health and suicide prevention strategies and rolling out the '111 press 2' service. The new mental health strategy has a real focus on prevention, to protect and improve our mental health and well-being. This includes by being more physically active. It also highlights the interconnection between the range of things that we can do to protect our mental health. For instance, joining a local walking group to be more active also helps us feel part of a community, to connect with people and engage with nature. Such interconnectedness demonstrates that improving mental health must be a cross-Government approach to ensure that people have the knowledge, understanding and opportunity to empower them to take action. I am committed to continuing to drive this approach across Welsh Government
Another priority for me is to change how we talk about and understand our mental health. Mental health has become a term that is used to describe a wide range of issues and circumstances and is often linked to NHS services, but many people don’t need specialist mental health support, and there is a range of easy-to-access services where you can get additional support, without the need for a referral from a healthcare professional. Every health board website has links to resources that can provide help and support.
Mental Health Awareness Week is a good opportunity for us to reflect on what we can do change the narrative around mental health. I am, of course, committed to ensuring that mental health services are accessible to all those who need this support and to reducing waiting times. I think it’s vital that we take a preventative approach and we work across services to support the wide range of issues that can impact our mental health and well-being. We all have a role to play in improving mental health and well-being. Moving more this Mental Health Awareness Week and encouraging others to do the same is a good place to start. Diolch.