Health Minister reveals outline for new Mental Health Strategy

Health and Social Services Minister Lesley Griffiths AM has revealed the outline of the new Mental Health Strategy for Wales.

At a meeting of the Health and Social Care Committee this week the Minister stated the Strategy “will take a unified approach to mental health, address the holistic needs of children and adults of all ages, complement and embed the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010, and consolidate existing policy.

“It will specifically address the need for integrated working and joint strategic planning in line with the requirements of ‘Together for Health’ and ‘Sustainable Social Services’.”

The Minister added that a draft Strategy will be made available for a formal 12-week consultation in late spring 2012. A National Partnership Board – to be established later this year following the final meeting of the Mental Health Programme Board on 25 November – will play a key role in overseeing and scrutinising implementation of the new Strategy.

At the meeting the Minister also confirmed the Welsh Government’s commitment to the continuation of ring-fenced in 2012-13.