New approach aims to make mental health support easier to access in Wales
The Welsh Government says people should be able to get mental health support the same day they ask for help, without needing a referral.
People in Wales could find it easier to access mental health support under plans for a new approach designed to get help to those who need it more quickly.
Mental Health Minister Delyth Jewell has set out the Welsh Government’s commitment to a “no wrong door” approach, meaning people should be able to access support wherever they first seek help, without needing a referral.
The plans aim to reduce waiting times and ensure people can get support on the same day they reach out.
The approach is currently being tested through a number of projects across Wales, ahead of a wider rollout.
It aims to address people’s immediate concerns and provide access to more specialist services where needed.
The plans build on the NHS 111 Wales Press 2 mental health helpline, which has received more than 300,000 contacts since launching nearly four years ago.
Speaking at a Wales Alliance for Mental Health event at the Norwegian Church to mark World Mental Health Day, Ms Jewell said the approach would remove unnecessary barriers to support.
She said it was important people received help when they first asked for it, rather than waiting for a referral or until they reached crisis point.
Improving mental health and wellbeing is a commitment in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government, which also highlights the importance of research and listening to people with lived experience.