Mind Cymru welcomes major report into Welsh mental health
Researchers at Cardiff and Swansea Universities have spoken to more than 13,000 people to assess the impact of the pandemic on mental health in Wales.
Their study shows that around half of the participants showed ‘clinically significant’ psychological distress, with around 20 per cent reporting severe effects.
Simon Jones, Head of Policy at Mind Cymru, reacted to the findings. He said:
“The study published today provides further evidence of the mental health impact of the pandemic, something people have been telling us and organisations across the mental health sector since earlier this year. It is another clear call to ensure that mental health has a prominent place within the overall response to the pandemic.
“The research also highlights some of the inequalities in how the pandemic is affecting people’s mental health. We have been concerned about the impact on younger people, those living in poverty, women and people in BAME communities. Many of these issues already existed before the pandemic and are related to social factors that put pressure on people’s mental health, but also historic barriers to accessing support quickly and effectively. Welsh Government and NHS Wales need to understand this and take specific action to support communities that are at risk of poorer mental health.
“The recently announced extra investment into mental health, as well as the appointment of Eluned Morgan MS as Minister for Mental Health to provide leadership and urgency to the response, is a good start. However, Welsh Government needs to recognise that tackling the mental health legacy of the pandemic will need sustained investment in the coming years. This includes public and voluntary sectors working together in order to meet the needs of the Welsh public and ensure people can access support quickly."
