Lynne Neagle: Thank you, James, for that question. And I'm very pleased as well to place on record my recognition of the fact that this is Mental Health Awareness Week, and I'm aware that there are lots and lots of activities going on, and efforts, to raise awareness. You'll be aware that we provide funding to quite a number of third sector organisations—some directly, others through the funding that we...
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, James. Clearly, the online safety and harms Bill is an important vehicle to try and tackle some of the problems that you've alluded to, which I know you've raised before in this Chamber. You are right in that digital is not devolved to us, but there are discussions that take place between officials in Welsh Government and officials in Westminster, and I'm in particular looking at...
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, James. And what you've said is really important, because obviously we don't want young people's problems to escalate. That's why our whole emphasis in Welsh Government is on early intervention and making sure that children and young people have the support at an early opportunity, preferably in the environments where they live their lives, such as school. So, we've got a...
Lynne Neagle: Action to target strong public health messaging to Wales’s black, Asian and minority ethnic communities is embedded across our public health prevention work, to help people maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking, and support their mental well-being. We are committed to tackling the health inequalities that we know these communities experience.
Lynne Neagle: Thank you very much, John, for that question. As you've highlighted, the pandemic laid bare, really, the health inequalities faced by black and minority ethnic communities, and that's why the First Minister established the group to look at those health inequalities, which are a priority for us. I'm really grateful to Muslim Doctors Cymru for the work that they did. I know that they helped us...
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, Natasha, for that question, and absolutely I agree that we need to have tailored messages. Our engagement through the pandemic was very proactive in that regard. We contracted a specialist ethnic minority engagement agency. Materials for specific communities were co-produced with individuals from those communities, with quote card images of community leaders explaining about things...
Lynne Neagle: We are developing an all-Wales framework to support local action to increase the use of social prescribing. My officials are engaging with a range of stakeholders on the proposed model, which will be published for consultation next month.
Lynne Neagle: Thank you very much, Heledd, for that supplementary. As you've highlighted, social prescribing is a really good way of linking people to community-based, non-clinical support, and that needs to be a holistic approach that recognises that people's health is determined by a range of social, economic and environmental factors, and as you've highlighted, that's not just about tackling loneliness....
Lynne Neagle: Formally.
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, Llywydd, and thank you to Plaid Cymru for bringing forward this important topic for debate. The Plaid Cymru motion today calls for 'stronger commitment, enhanced resources and measurable targets.' As our amendment acknowledges, we are not complacent, but we do have a long-standing commitment to preventing and tackling the harms associated with alcohol use and a robust record of...
Lynne Neagle: Formally.
Lynne Neagle: Will you take an intervention?
Lynne Neagle: I'm not sure whether you recall the numerous reports the Children, Young People and Education Committee did in this area, but our landmark one, 'Mind over matter', recognised that, actually, waiting times had significantly improved and that the focus needed to go to early intervention. Maybe you ought to have a look at some of those reports.
Lynne Neagle: I'm going to cover that.
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thanks to all Members today for their contributions. There is nothing more important to me than improving, protecting and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of children and young people in Wales. I have stated and restated my commitment many times in this Chamber, and I remain determined for us to make the progress needed to transform their...
Lynne Neagle: Thank you, Darren. As you say, it's not just about the waiting times. I have myself called for there to be more of a focus on outcomes and what happens to young people once they have that assessment. We are currently working on validating the data so that we can provide more public information on access to psychological treatments. But I think what you've just said, really, shows that it has...
Lynne Neagle: Will you take an intervention?
Lynne Neagle: Did you actually listen to what I said when I explained that we are having a review, a delivery unit review, of CAMHS services in Wales? So, we are actually doing what you've now stood up and called for. Maybe it would help if you paid attention.
Lynne Neagle: Health boards continue to develop services in line with the Royal College of Psychiatrists' standards for perinatal mental health. This is being supported by additional service improvement funding this year, which builds on our previous investment.
Lynne Neagle: Thank you very much, Delyth, for that important question, and, as you highlight, it has been really difficult to have a new baby during lockdown. I think we all recognise that, and you'll recall that I led a debate in this Chamber as a backbencher on babies in lockdown. So, we are very cognisant in Welsh Government of the challenges. I know that perinatal services adapted really quickly to...
