Children and young people are receiving faster access to mental
health support, as waiting times fall across Wales.
The vast majority (96.2%) of young people referred to local
primary mental health services were assessed within 28 days – a
significant and sustained improvement in waiting times.
The 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy sets out the
ambition for mental health support in Wales, including delivering
open-access support to mental health services and transforming
how young people access support.
Health boards across Wales have introduced alternatives to
hospital admission for young people. These pilots are testing
different models of care to provide safe, young person-centred
spaces when young people need support.
The 111 press 2 service for urgent mental health support has now
received over 230,000 calls. More than 6% of callers are under
18, and over 20% are under 24.
A new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
specification aims to ensure young people receive the same
quality of support wherever they live in Wales. All health boards
are now working towards this standard to reduce variation in
care.
The NYTH/NEST framework continues to bring services together to
deliver more joined-up, nurturing support for children and
families.
Over 200 organisations are now engaged through the NEST community
of practice, and co-produced training has seen over 500
professionals learning about children's rights and the NEST
principles of whole system support for mental health.
, Minister for Mental Health
and Wellbeing, said:
"Children's Mental Health Week is an important moment to reflect
on the progress we're making to support young people across
Wales.
"We want every child to receive mental health support when they
need it most. The improvements we're seeing in waiting times,
alongside the growing success of our NYTH/NEST framework and our
ambitious 10-year strategy, show our whole-system approach is
making a real difference.
"By focusing on prevention and early intervention, we are working
to create a Wales where every child and young person can thrive."
Notes to editors
- Children's Mental Health Week 2026 runs from 9 – 15 February
- Local Primary Mental Health Support Services (LPMHSS) provide
assessment and support for children and young people with mild to
moderate mental health difficulties
- The Mental Health and
Wellbeing Strategy was published in April 2025 and is
supported by a targeted delivery plan.
