11/10/2006

Wales wants to reduce the stigma and discrimination that is too often associated with mental health problems and promote social inclusion.

Two important documents to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in Wales have been unveiled by Health and Social Services Minister, Brian Gibbons, on World Mental Health Day.

Promoting mental health in the workplace and new initiatives including Mental Health First Aid are the key themes of the Mental Health Action Plan, which has been launched for consultation.

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based programme to develop people’s skills in recognising and taking appropriate action when they encounter someone in mental distress.

Brian Gibbons said: “Mental health is the cornerstone to good health and wellbeing and it is vital to us all. It is relevant to everybody, whether they have a mental health problem or not.

“I am very pleased to present the Mental Health Action Plan consultation document and look forward to developing it further. We want to reduce the stigma and discrimination that is all too often associated with mental health problems and promote social inclusion.

“The Action Plan also contributes to the Assembly Government’s commitment to improving health and to Health Challenge Wales, the nation’s focus on taking personal responsibility for improving health.

“There are particular groups of people more prone to committing suicide and it is important that we continue taking action to reduce the risks. Suicide is substantially higher amongst people diagnosed with mental health problems and is known to be associated with drug and alcohol misuse, social isolation, poverty, unemployment and family breakdown.

“A person’s mental health can be affected, for good or bad, by everyday life experiences at work, by housing, personal relationships, education and family life. Promoting mental wellbeing is not therefore just the responsibility of the health and social care sectors providing mental health services. It requires a broad, society-wide response.�

The Prison Mental Health Pathway for Wales has also been launched .

Director of Mental Health, Phill Chick, said: “Prisoners are, on the whole, a socially excluded group who experience many health and social inequalities. There is considerable research to suggest that the prison population is at greater risk of developing mental health problems compared with people of a similar age and gender in the community."