Health Minister Lesley Griffiths launches mental health strategy

A 12-week consultation is being launched on a Welsh government strategy to improve mental health services.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said the Together for Mental Health strategy aimed to "tackle stigma" and "ensure vulnerable groups have equal access to care and treatment".

The Welsh government says a quarter of Wales' population will experience mental health problems at some point.

A mental health charity has welcomed the consultation.

Ms Griffiths said the strategy would focus on improvements for those with problems, carers and families, with an emphasis on allowing people to live independently.

She said: "At its very heart it embeds the Mental Health (Wales) Measure which places new duties on health boards and local authorities.

"The strategy aims to address the needs of people with mental health problems or a mental illness and improve mental wellbeing.

"It covers all ages and seeks to engage all sectors in Wales to deliver its ambitions".

"It highlights our need to tackle stigma and discrimination and to ensure vulnerable groups have equal access to care and treatment".

A spokeswoman for mental health charity Mind Cymru said: "We welcome the strategy.

"We see it as a commitment to mental health services.

"We would want to see the implementation of the strategy and the Mental Health Measure to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people living in Wales."