Backing for new mental health and wellbeing strategy for Wales

The BPS is pleased that Wales' new 10-year mental health and wellbeing strategy takes a preventative approach and is people centred, but said it must be backed by sufficient staff and resources.

A key part of the vision for mental health in the country will be open access services, with people receiving same-day support without the need for a referral.

The Society welcomed the strategy but warned that its success would depend on having enough of the right staff able to deliver it.

Dr Sharon Davis, chair of the BPS Welsh Branch, said:

"Our workforce must be trained and equipped to meet the changing needs of our society at a time when the current economic climate is placing additional burden on people and contributing to increasing mental health needs.

"We're delighted that the strategy focuses on early intervention and prevention. This is the right approach," Dr Davis added. 

"Ensuring that people receive appropriate support at the outset can help their condition from worsening and reaching crisis point."

The new strategy recognises the importance of the wider determinants of mental health, such as housing, employment and education, and so advocates a cross-government approach. Part of this will be the creation of the Joint Ministerial Assurance Board.

The society backs the move as essential to provide a strategic oversight and to ensure governance and accountability in delivering the strategy.

"Psychologists already consider not just psychological factors but the social determinants of health, so we welcome the emphasis on a holistic, person-centred model of care," Dr Davis said.

The strategy is supported by a three-year delivery plan.

Mental health and wellbeing strategy 2025 to 2035

Mental health and wellbeing strategy: delivery plan 2025 to 2028