Plan to improve children's mental health services in Wales

29/06/2010

The Assembly Government has launched a national action plan to improve children's mental health services in Wales.

It outlines the role of health, social services and education professionals and the voluntary sector in supporting children and young people.

Significant investment has been made by the Assembly Government to improve children's mental health services. This includes £6.9 million made available to enhance children and adolescent mental health services between 2008-2011 and £8 million allocated to school-based counselling over the same three-year period.

A new inpatient unit has opened in North Wales and interim improved facilities have opened in South Wales ahead of a new permanent facility early next year. The developments, backed by more than £35 million Assembly Government funding, are for children and young people who require specialised treatment.

The plan also aims to:

·          Establish child-centred services, which take into account the views of the young people and families using them

·          Improve overall the mental health of children and young people, and provide effective and timely intervention for those presenting with emotional and mental health problems

·          Make services equitably available across Wales, on the basis of need

·          Reduce the stigma relating to mental health services

Health Minister, Edwina Hart, said:

"The mental health and well-being of children and young people is a priority for the Assembly Government and a One Wales commitment, whether treating conditions or tackling the stigma that can be associated with mental health.

"It is essential that health and local government cooperate to support children and young people with emotional well-being and mental health needs.

"I expect local services to work together to use the additional funding we have already committed to deliver this plan and to develop future care and support for children and young people experiencing mental health conditions."

Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, said:

"Children's services and the education sector have key roles to play in both mental health promotion and supporting children and young people with emotional wellbeing and mental health needs.

"We set this out in Everybody's Business and I am keen that this partnership approach is developed further and see the Action Plan as a key means for doing this.

"Children and Young People's Partnerships have a key role to play in coordinating locally the key partners' approach on this important issue and I shall be closely following their plans and progress on this aspect."

"I see that the roll-out of the school-based counselling service will support this work. Children should have confidence that they will have access to trained professional counsellors and that that their needs will be heard and addressed. This demonstrates our commitment to providing care and support to children and young people which will help to improve their health and well-being."