Psychology Matters: BPS manifesto for Senedd election 2026
Ahead of the election for the Senedd (Welsh parliament) next year, the British Psychological Society (BPS) has launched its manifesto calling for all political parties to develop and deliver policies and services using a psychological approach, which places people first.
10 June 2025
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The manifesto highlights psychology's role in tackling and preventing ill-health. It says psychology should be at the heart of policy making and can help address some of the biggest issues facing Wales.
The manifesto outlines four priority areas, alongside evidence-based recommendations, that should form part of the new government's agenda:
- Tackling poverty across the lifespan
- Focusing on prevention and early intervention
- Improving links between mental and physical health services
- Building a sustainable psychological workforce
Dr Sharon Davis, chair of the BPS Welsh Branch, said this election marked a milestone in Welsh democracy that provided even more opportunity for shaping the health and wellbeing of our populations.
With the Senedd growing from 60 to 93 members, there will be more chances than ever to engage with political parties and candidates to share our manifesto calls and priorities, and to recognise the value of psychology in building a healthier, fairer, and more resilient Wales.
Dr Davis added:
"We know what a huge difference psychology can make, and our Psychology Matters programme exists to highlight the life-changing impact of our services.
"Through their work in early intervention, crisis care, rehabilitation and prevention of mental and physical illness, psychologists have a vital role in helping individuals to improve their health and to stop their condition from worsening and reaching crisis point.
"At a time when the needs of society are changing and the current economic climate is placing additional demands on people, we'd urge all political parties to harness the power of psychology to help find solutions to the some of the big problems that will be facing the next Welsh government.
"Psychological thinking, along with evidence-based research, can be transformative and we're keen to work with the next Welsh government to develop polices which have a positive impact on the lives of individuals, their families and communities."
You can read the manifesto now and more about Psychology Matters on the BPS website.
Read the full manifesto (Welsh)
Read the full manifesto (English)