Posted: Monday 18 April 2011
On 5 May, people in Wales go to the polls not just to have their say on the proposed new voting system (AV) but to elect members to the next National Assembly for Wales.
In Wales, decisions about important areas including health and education are made by the National Assembly for Wales. In the referendum held in March 2011, people in Wales voted for the Assembly to have stronger powers to make laws for Wales. This means it’s more important than ever that people use their votes in the election.
After talking to people with experience of mental distress, local Mind associations, and anyone with an interest in mental health issues, Mind Cymru developed a manifesto, setting out five key priorities.
Mind Cymru has been busy letting politicians know that mental health is a vital election issue. We’ve had some success with different party manifestos variously promising action on access to talking treatments, improving awareness of mental health in the workplace, ending mixed-sex hospital accommodation in mental health services, and improvements to children and adolescent mental health services.
But we need your help to make sure that Assembly candidates keep getting the message that mental health is an important subject in the lead up to the election. You can do this by contacting candidates or attending local hustings and asking what action candidates will take to improve mental health and wellbeing if elected. And of course, feel free to use the Mind Cymru manifesto to help with this.
Read more information about candidates and manifestos.
To discuss issues relating to the election, please email Rachel Bowen or call 029 2034 6588.