Minister cites improvement in youth mental health access
Children and young people in Wales are receiving faster access to mental health support, according to new figures released during Children’s Mental Health Week.
The Welsh Government said 96.2% of young people referred to local primary mental health services were assessed within 28 days, describing it as a sustained improvement in waiting times.
The government’s 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out plans to expand open-access support and transform how young people access help.
Health boards have also introduced pilot schemes offering alternatives to hospital admission, providing young person-centred spaces when urgent support is needed.
The 111 press 2 urgent mental health service has received more than 230,000 calls. Of those, more than 6% were from people under 18 and over 20% from people under 24.
A new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services specification aims to ensure consistent standards of care across Wales, with all health boards working towards reducing variation in support.
The NYTH/NEST framework continues to bring services together to provide more joined-up support for children and families. More than 200 organisations are now involved in the NEST community of practice, and over 500 professionals have completed co-produced training focused on children’s rights and whole-system support.
Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Children’s Mental Health Week is an important moment to reflect on the progress we’re making to support young people across Wales.
“We want every child to receive mental health support when they need it most. The improvements we’re seeing in waiting times, alongside the growing success of our NYTH/NEST framework and our ambitious 10-year strategy, show our whole-system approach is making a real difference.
“By focusing on prevention and early intervention, we are working to create a Wales where every child and young person can thrive.”
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