See also: our response to the Draft Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy

The Draft Mental Health Strategy published by the Welsh Government marks a significant shift in how we understand mental health, and how the levers of government could be used to shift the wider social determinants that can lead to distress, trauma and harm across our communities. The overall focus is one that we are pleased to see, and it offers the chance to build a firm foundation for action by multiple stakeholders.

We are particularly pleased to see the importance being placed on connection, communities, and early years, as these are the most significant ways in which we can change the reality for people both now, and for future generations. By recognising these areas as being pivotal in making change, we have the opportunity to shift into a more preventative approach, and it can offer hope to
people throughout our country. We are also pleased to see a focus on shifting the culture towards one of preventing and reducing harm.

Despite that, however, there are some real missed opportunities in the strategy, where the clear vision for mental health – and what it means for our communities – is not followed up with a commitment to cross-Government action. As well, despite the welcome consideration of harm in the system, the action committed to falls short of what we believe is needed. The harm that is often caused by the system needs to be explicitly named, and a clear plan committed to, with specific actions, that will help address this harm.

This is particularly important when it comes to the commitment to increase access to the mental health system, for people experiencing mental health challenges from diverse communities. We argue that this is not as simple: access alone does not recognise the differential, and often more harmful, interactions that different communities have with mental health services.

However, there has been huge thought, compassion and effort put into this strategy. We can see areas where significant progress has been made since the last strategy, and we know that the visions articulated will provide a powerful focus as we begin to work across Wales on implementing these ideas. Whilst we do see this as a transitional strategy, to lay the groundwork for a sea change in the future, we also applaud the Welsh Government for addressing many of the challenges the sector faces today. We look forward to working alongside the Welsh Government in the months to come, as this strategy is further developed with a focus on delivery.