Lib Dems call on Government to invest in mental health support in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire in face of COVID-19 crisis

The Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for more support for mental health services across Wales as new survey data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) expose the enormous mental health impact of the COVID-19 crisis. 

Across Wales, an estimated 86.3% of adults have reported feeling “stressed, anxious or worried about the future” or “that their mental health had become worse” between 3 April and 3 May 2020.

The new figures reinforce Liberal Democrat calls for the Government to scale up mental health support right across the UK in response to COVID-19 as a matter of urgency, particularly for people working in health and care.

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, said:

“The mental health scars of COVID-19 will be deep and Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire are no exception. Across Wales some 86.3% of adults report that their mental health has been adversely impacted.

“We need investment now to ensure that people in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire can get the support they need, when they need it. Those who are working in health and social care as well as those who are out of work or struggling to make ends meet will be particularly affected. The UK government must ensure the Senedd has the additional funding and resources it needs to meet this challenge. People across the country, including those in Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire are depending on it.”

Munira Wilson, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, said:

“The vast majority of adults across the UK have experienced a tangible detrimental mental health impact as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This includes the tens of thousands of bereaved families whose lives will never be the same again, those in isolation, those in recovery, and those facing new financial strain.

“That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for the Government to urgently increase funding for and provision of mental health support. We are calling for access to support 24/7 for those working in health and care, many of whom are enduring daily trauma. This is alongside our demand for better funded, clearly signposted mental health support for every single community, so that we can reach those who are isolated or in hard-to-reach groups.”