Mental health

Where the parties stand

• Plaid CymruShifted

  In government, Plaid Cymru Members set out same-day mental health access, a new clinical plan, a written statement on male suicide prevention, and a whole-system approach to neurodivergence including shorter children's assessment waits. Contributions: [1][2][3]

  How this has shifted: In May and June, ministers spoke of a mental health agenda and a Deputy Minister role. By July, the Deputy Minister gave specific plans and a September review.

• Welsh Labour

  Welsh Labour Members asked about university mental health liaison roll-out (Lynne Neagle), parent-infant support through Flying Start (Neagle), and health visitors' perinatal role (Vikki Howells). Jayne Bryant noted mental health was missing from one statement. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]

• Welsh Conservatives

  Welsh Conservative Members raised autism legislation (Paul Davies), farmer mental health and TB (Paul Davies, Andrew RT Davies), school phones and mental health (Darren Millar), and mental health access for people with Huntington's disease (Natasha Asghar). Contributions: [1][2][3][4][5]

• Reform UK

  Reform UK Members pressed on waiting times and funding (Gareth Thomas), male suicide (Llŷr Powell), farmers' isolation (Adrian Mason) and delays for children needing ALN support (Tom Montgomery). Contributions: [1][2][3][4]

• Welsh Liberal Democrats

  Jane Dodds emphasised early intervention: infant mental health and parent-infant support, nutrition in the first 1,000 days, and gambling harms support after suicides linked to gambling. Contributions: [1][2][3]

What the government is being pressed on

1. 1How will same-day access be explained and measured, and how will waits of up to years come down? Gareth Thomas asked. Jewell said the aim is same-day access with minimal referrals, and promised to prioritise therapy waits. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
2. 2What more is being done on suicide prevention, especially for men, and is there a 24-hour NHS phone line? Jewell cited NHS 111 press 2, awareness campaigns and a forthcoming written statement. Contributions: [1][2][3][4]
3. 3Will the Government legislate for autistic people? Paul Davies asked. Rhun ap Iorwerth said legislation can still be discussed, but cross-government action cannot wait for a legislative window. Contributions: [1][2]
4. 4What support reaches isolated farmers? Adrian Mason asked. Llyr Gruffydd said officials work with local authority advice services, a social services grant funds befriending, and Farmwell Wales offers online support. Contributions: [1][2]
5. 5Can a Call for Concern be raised for postpartum psychosis or suicidal thoughts? Gareth Thomas asked. Jewell said acute psychiatric problems would be covered and the scheme should complement existing support. Contributions: [1][2]