£3m ‘helping hand’ for Welsh mental health services

Additional funding of nearly £3 million will support some of the most vulnerable mental health service users in Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.

Eluned Morgan, the Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, has pledged to provide a ‘helping hand’ to those looking for work, permanent accommodation, who may be struggling with mental health or substance misuse problems in the midst of this pandemic.

The funding, which is split into seven distinct areas, will provide early, targeted support, for the most vulnerable individuals in a preventative capacity to reduce the escalation of often complex needs.

The investment includes £1.4 million towards third sector led schemes designed to address low level mental health and wellbeing need, £75,000 will fund the ‘I Can Work’ programme supporting people with mild to moderate mental health problems into paid work, and £500,000 to provide PPE to substance misuse services providing a range of support for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

Morgan said: “We know that early intervention is vital for better outcomes. We’ve seen the devastating effect this pandemic has had on the most vulnerable members of our society and we must provide an extra helping hand when they need it. This funding is a key part of our recovery plan, where we have committed to protecting and improving individuals’ well-being, supporting the homeless, and reducing unemployment to give people the best chance in life.”