Wales's innovative public health approach received international
recognition at a major World Health Organisation meeting this
week.
The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, spoke at the WHO Regions for
Health Network Annual Meeting in St Pölten, in Austria [27
November].
She showcased how Wales is addressing health inequalities through
the new, ambitious 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy,
which puts early intervention and prevention at the heart of
transforming mental healthcare services.
The Minister said:
“Sharing Wales's experience on the global stage demonstrates how
smaller nations can lead innovation in public health. By learning
from other European countries, we can deliver better health and
wellbeing outcomes for our populations.
"Today, I have been outlining how our new mental health strategy
aims to provide more joined-up services, connected to the kinds
of support people really need. Support that really helps address
the root causes of mental distress and poor mental health.”
The strategy signals the development of same-day, open access
mental health services across Wales. This builds on the success
of the NHS Wales 111 press 2 service, which provides support for
people with urgent mental health needs 24 hours a day, seven days
a week.
As part of the changes to mental healthcare in Wales, people will
increasingly be able to access support when and where they need
it. Services will also connect individuals to help based on the
root causes of mental distress, such as debt support, housing
assistance, employment guidance or counselling.
The WHO meeting brought together political leaders and health
experts from across 44 Regions for Health of 26 WHO European
countries. They shared solutions on healthy ageing, prevention,
integrated care, and digital health transformation.
Interactive sessions and peer-to-peer exchanges enabled regions
to learn from Wales' experience. The meeting strengthened
regional voices in international health policy.
The approaches discussed will help regions across Europe share
ideas and deliver better health and wellbeing outcomes for their
populations.
