Welsh Conservatives pledge to make mental health a “top priority”

Welsh Conservatives will today unveil plans to prioritise mental health in Wales, outlining an urgent need to tackle stigma, increase funding and offer comprehensive support in Wales.

The Party has pledged to increase spending on mental health services in real terms, each and every year for the next Assembly term.

Mental health problems impact approximately one in four people, and studies have shown the overall cost to be in excess of £7billion per year in Wales.

As part of a seven-point plan for improving metal health and wellbeing in Wales, the Party would improve access to treatments – ensuring 24/7 crisis teams are available at all major emergency departments, and implement a 28-day target for access to talking therapies for children and adults by 2021.

A Welsh Conservative Government would also place a strong emphasis on taking action to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination.

The proposals will be discussed outside Ysbyty Glan Clwyd today, where an independent investigation exposed serious failings in the treatment and care of vulnerable mental health patients on the Tawel Fan Ward.

Darren Millar, Clwyd West candidate and health spokesperson, said:

“One in four of us will suffer with a mental health problem, and it is clear Wales needs to secure real change in this critical area, getting to grips with access to treatment, overcoming stigma and giving services the funding they deserve.

“Service delivery in Wales has been inconsistent and people are waiting too long for access to the support they need. A Welsh Conservative Government would increase spending on mental health services each and every year, ensure crisis teams are available 24/7 at emergency departments, and establish a new 28-day target for access to vital talking therapies.

“By improving the status of mental health treatment, and delivering better funding, Welsh Conservatives will ensure that mental health and wellbeing is a top priority and make us a world leader in the delivery of services.”

Sam Rowlands, candidate for the Vale of Clwyd said:

“Surveys show the worrying levels of stigma which exist in Wales towards mental health issues, with as many as one in ten believing those with problems should not be allowed to have children.

“We need clear action in Wales, not only to improve funding and access to treatments, but to increase public understanding and tackle misconceptions about mental health, which too often block discussions about such health problems and prevent people seeking the support they need.”

He added:

“The Welsh NHS must learn lessons from the Tawel Fan scandal that rocked North Wales. Our plans and extra investment will help to ensure that mental health services are prioritised.”

A Welsh Conservative Government will:

– Increase spending on mental health services in real terms, each and every year for the next Assembly term.
– Establish a 28 day target for access to talking therapies for children and adults by 2021.
– Ensure that crisis teams are available 24/7 at all major emergency departments.
– Increase the capacity of mental health services for children and young people.
– Improve access to mental health support for women, before, during and after pregnancy.
– Promote mindfulness as a means of preventing poor mental health and supporting recovery.
– Take action to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination.