We鈥檙e pleased the Welsh Government鈥檚 new 10-year mental health strategy has a strong focus on getting people the most appropriate support for their needs, at the right time and without delay.

The includes concentrating on early intervention and prevention and it鈥檚 been shaped by the voices of local services and people.聽

School counselling is critical聽

It includes many of the key elements from our response to the government鈥檚 consultation, such as recognising the critical role of school counselling and an increased emphasis on improving access to community level mental health support. It also committed to providing easier access to psychological interventions and therapies.

We鈥檙e grateful to our members in Wales who contributed to our consultation response.

Steve Mulligan, our Four Nations Lead, said: 聽

鈥淲e welcome the ambition and focus of this new mental health strategy and a much stronger focus on supporting vulnerable people, and communities, with more tailored and appropriate services

Working with the Welsh Government聽

鈥淥ur 3,000 members in Wales have a vital role to play in delivering this vision and we will keep working with Welsh Government to make sure they鈥檙e utilising the expertise of the counselling professions in implementing this vital strategy over the next decade".

Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy said:聽

"This strategy represents a major shift in how we approach mental health and wellbeing in Wales. By focusing on prevention and early intervention, while ensuring easy access to support when needed, we are working to create a Wales where everyone can thrive.

鈥淲e know that good mental health depends on much more than healthcare alone.聽 As well as improving access to mental health support, the strategy focuses on developing better connections between services to support people when they need it.鈥�