Clear framework aims to deliver faster access, better support, and improved outcomes

PEOPLE across Wales are set to benefit from clearer and more consistent mental health care, as new national standards outlining what good services should look like are introduced.

Two new quality statements, published this week (Mar 24) set out the outcomes and expectations for NHS and social care services. They aim to ensure patients can access timely, compassionate, and effective support — including same-day, open access care and improved services for those who have self-harmed.

The measures form part of the Welsh Government’s wider Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Strategy. Ministers say they are designed to move Wales towards becoming the first nation to offer same-day, open access mental health support nationwide.

Around 20 pilot schemes are already underway across Wales, offering support without the need for a GP referral. These “demonstrator sites” are intended to provide early help and reduce the number of people reaching crisis point.

One such scheme includes a university liaison service in Cardiff, supporting students across Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, the University of South Wales, and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Since its launch in 2022, more than 240,000 people have contacted the NHS 111 “press 2” service for urgent mental health support.

The Mental Health Quality Statement sets out nine key principles aimed at reshaping services. These include designing care with input from people with lived experience, embedding trauma-informed approaches, and ensuring services are flexible, collaborative, and centred around individual needs.

A separate Self-harm Quality Statement outlines six pillars of care: immediate treatment, trauma-informed support, continuity of care, safety planning, holistic signposting, and skilled responders. It stresses that anyone who self-harms must receive compassionate, person-centred care, regardless of intent.

The standards have been developed in partnership with NHS Wales, third sector organisations, and individuals with lived experience.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles said: “These standards will ensure people have access to consistent, compassionate and effective mental health support wherever they are in Wales.

“We are moving towards a future of open access services, so people can get help earlier and avoid reaching crisis point. These standards will play a key role in improving mental healthcare across Wales.”

CONTROL of a £547m Local Growth Fund has been returned to the Welsh Government, with ministers setting out plans to use the money to boost the nation’s economy over the next three years.

During a visit to Ebbw Vale on Friday (Mar 20), First Minister Eluned Morgan is expected to outline details of a new Investment Plan, endorsed by both the Welsh and UK governments. The plan sets out how funding will be allocated across priority areas and within Wales’ four economic regions.

The fund will focus on three key areas: supporting productive and competitive businesses, improving skills and helping people into work, and investing in infrastructure.

Ministers say the programme is designed to empower regional decision-making while targeting areas with the greatest economic need. The aim is to increase productivity, support business growth and create better-paid jobs across Wales.

Funding will be distributed based on tailored regional plans, reflecting local strengths and opportunities, including sectors such as advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

The First Minister, Eluned Morgan said: “I’m really pleased decisions on this post-EU funding, which is so important in supporting regional and local economic growth in Wales, are being returned to the Welsh Government.

“We want to use all the levers we have to stimulate economic growth, especially in parts of Wales where economic inactivity and unemployment are higher and wages are lower.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans added: “The Local Growth Fund for Wales will help create and secure jobs in key industries, providing exciting opportunities for people to develop high-quality, long-term careers.

“We will work with local government and other partners to ensure the fund is used effectively to create jobs, unlock growth and deliver for Wales.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said: “This transformational funding will create jobs, boost productivity and support economic growth across all parts of Wales.

“Decisions about how funding is used in Wales are best made in Wales, and this agreement delivers our commitment to return control of post-EU funding to Wales.

“It is another example of the UK and Welsh governments working together to deliver for our communities.”

A WELL-KNOWN Welsh weather presenter was spotted in Pembrokeshire as he filmed scenes for a new series celebrating the county’s coastline.

Derek Brockway, who has been a familiar face on BBC Wales since 1995, was in St Davids recently working on another instalment of his popular walking series along the Pembrokeshire Coast.

Local resident Thomas Tudor said it was “lovely” to meet the broadcaster during filming, posing for a photograph alongside his mother, Beryl Tudor, and sister, Bethan Thomas Price.

Brockway, who is based at BBC Cymru Wales in Cardiff, is widely known not only for his weather forecasts across television, radio and online, but also for his programmes showcasing Wales’ landscapes and coastal paths.

The latest filming in St Davids is expected to form part of an upcoming series highlighting the natural beauty and walking routes of Pembrokeshire, an area long regarded as one of the jewels in Wales’ tourism crown.