<p>Improving Mental Health </p>

Part of 1. 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:59 pm on 9 May 2017.

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Photo of Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones Labour 1:59, 9 May 2017

Well, I did note the Prime Minister’s announcement recently where she talked about having somebody in every school in England and Wales. I know that was a mistake on her part, and the idea behind what she suggested is one worthy of examination. But, of course, what I remind the Member of is that we have a counsellor in every secondary school in Wales already able to provide that service. I think the trick is not just to provide the counsellor, but to ensure that young people feel able to go and see that counsellor. And that’s a more difficult nut to crack. Actually going to see somebody and people maybe finding out, even though it’s confidential—young people see it that way. That can be quite a step for them as well.

We already have the counsellors in schools, but that’s not enough of itself. We also need to make sure, of course, that young people are able to access assistance outside school as well, particularly in an environment where they feel comfortable.