Mind responds to the Plaid Cymru manifesto
Plaid Cymru have announced their manifesto, including a suite of commitments to mental health, for the 2019 General Election.
Most issues surrounding the funding and delivery of mental health services are devolved to the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff Bay, however many decisions taken by MPs in Westminster directly impact on people with mental health problems in Wales. This includes policy areas such as welfare and benefits, employment rights and protections, and laws including the Mental Health Act.
Responding to the publication of the manifesto, Vicki Nash, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, said:
“Mental health is one of the biggest domestic issues facing our nation, and the next UK government. We deserve a better deal for mental health: it must be at the heart of all political agendas.
"We’re pleased that Plaid Cymru’s manifesto includes commitments to ensure parity between mental health and other NHS services, as well as increased funding for mental health services in Wales and delivering a 24/7 crisis care service for all.
“Since 2017, Brexit has dominated UK politics. For the one in four of us with a mental health problem, it’s sometimes felt as if our lives have been put on pause. Promises have been broken, and warm words have not always translated to the action we desperately need to make sure everyone with a mental health problem is treated with dignity and respect.
“And it’s not just mental health services that need attention. Too many people are trapped in poverty because of problems with our welfare system or a lack of protections in the workplace. We need a system that treats people on benefits with respect – the fear of being sanctioned only makes people more unwell.”
“We look forward to hearing what the other parties have to say about mental health in their manifestos. We all need to see real change in the next UK government and beyond.”
Read Mind's manifesto and find out how you can get involved in making sure the next government presses play on mental health.
