Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ89975

Poverty can be both a cause and a consequence of mental health problems. We commissioned research from the Wales Centre for Public Policy on what works in tackling poverty, which highlighted the mental load and mental health affecting people living in poverty. We have also taken on board the findings of research from organisations such as the Public Health Wales and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

The work of the Joint Ministerial Task and Finish Group on a Whole School Approach to Emotional and Mental Wellbeing has informed our response to the mental wellbeing of children and young people and the development of mental health provision for them. Regional Partnership Boards are implementing the NEST Planning Framework at a local level. We have just published a good practice examples document detailing NEST in action, with examples of the NEST framework making a difference in the delivery of face-to-face services.

Significant work has also been undertaken to develop our new mental health strategy, which will be published for consultation early next year. The draft strategy has been informed by a wide range of evidence, reports, stakeholders and the views of service users. Pre-engagement and consultation evidence from the development of the Child Poverty Strategy has also been included. This wide range of evidence has resulted in our draft strategy including a focus on babies and children and young people as it recognises the social and emotional wellbeing needs and development of children in the earliest years of life.