Mental health strategy for Wales launch

A WALES-WIDE strategy for mental health and wellbeing is being launched today.

The “Together for Mental Health” document is a 10-year plan which seeks to improve both the outcomes for users of mental health services, their carers and their families, and the wellbeing of the wider population.

It also aims to change attitudes towards mental health, and to reduce the stigma and discrimination that suffers often experience.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Lesley Griffiths said: “One in four people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. This can be triggered by bereavement, a trauma or even constantly worrying about money. In these days of financial austerity, we need to have more resilience to deal with the everyday pressures we face.

“Together for Mental Health is our commitment to do all we can to ensure we help people in Wales enjoy good mental health and wellbeing and those with mental ill-health are given all the support possible to recover and lead fulfilling lives.”

The Minister said that as part of the strategy the Mental Health First Aid programme — which sees staff from police, ambulance, Job Centres and further education being trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone with mental health problems — would continue.