On the 10th January 2024 in the Senedd, Jane Dodds MS has called on the Welsh Government to improve access to mental health support and substance support for people living in rural areas.
Commenting, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said:
“Commonly referred to as dual diagnosis, substance abuse and mental health problems can often come hand in hand with each other. Presenting a huge challenge to frontline mental health services already nearing breaking point.
A recent study from Swansea University found that 70% of young people in Wales with substance use records also had documentation of suffering from mental illness.
Those with co-occurring disorders can face difficulties when it comes to accessing services, particularly those living in rural areas where availability is sparse.
For instance, someone living in Ystradglynais needing addiction help must take a 50-mile round bus trip just to reach their nearest support facility in Brecon.
There are services willing to provide this much needed support, such as the Kaleidoscope plus group who are hoping to open a local base in Ystradglnais.
Groups like these are in dire need of more support from the Welsh Government, if we are to stem the tide of this crisis then we must act now and ensure that those most vulnerable are able to access support.”
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