Local Member of the Welsh Parliament, Laura Anne Jones MS, has welcomed the announcement today that an extra £9.4 million is to be invested in mental health services for children and young people.
The extra funding recognises the effect on children and young people of being away from school and regular support networks due to the pandemic.
Laura Anne Jones said:
“I very much welcome this announcement and the additional funding to support our children and young people adversely affected by the coronavirus lockdown.”
“The pandemic has put a huge strain on many young people who were already struggling with their mental health, because of traumatic experiences, social isolation, a loss of routine and a breakdown in formal and informal support.”
“The Welsh Government must now go further.”
“The Mind over Matter report published back in April 2018 provided an ambitious and exciting template of reform for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Wales.”
“Nearly three years later, concerns still remain about a lack of consistent, 24/7 access to crisis support across Wales.”
“Young patients and their families feel let down because they are unable to access help at the time it is most needed and that crisis services are too adult-focused.”
“This extra funding is welcome as a first step to addressing the weaknesses in the system and to delivering the help and support our young people need and deserve.”