Mark Drakeford, Minister for Health and Social Services
This was published under the 2011 to 2016 administration of the Welsh Government
In October 2012, the Welsh Government published Together for Mental Health, our cross-governmental age-inclusive strategy for mental health and wellbeing. Today, I am pleased to present Welsh Government’s first Annual Report on the Strategy. Local reports have already been produced across Wales, setting out local progress against Together for Mental Health in its first year and priorities for 2014. This Report does not duplicate the content of those documents, rather it provides a national overview and highlights Welsh Government’s own progress.
Taken together, the reports demonstrate our commitment in Wales to the mental health agenda. Good progress is being made across the country against the early Delivery Plan actions, particularly in the implementation of our landmark legislation, the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010. Our holistic care and treatment plans are key to taking the whole person’s view in the context of all areas of their lives and not just as a patient receiving services.
We have much to be proud of in our achievements over the last year. The commitment and dedication of our staff is increasingly being recognised by the national awards they are receiving. Some of these are highlighted in this report, as are a number of the service innovations and examples of best practice across Wales. A number of these showcase the real co-production we have across the statutory and third sectors in providing user-focussed services.
Nevertheless, there is more to be done. We must build on these improvements to ensure that service users and carers are at the heart of everything we do, and the Annual Report concludes by highlighting those areas that require further action. Above all we must ensure that mental health and wellbeing remains a priority in these challenging times.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement, or to answer questions on this when the Assembly returns, I would be happy to do so.