7. How is the Welsh Government prioritising support for mental health services in Cynon Valley during this Assembly term? OAQ51317

Well, improving the nation’s mental health is one of five priorities specifically included in 'Prosperity for All', and we have committed in our draft budget to provide an additional £40 million for mental health services over the next two years.

First Minister, I'm really glad that supporting innovative ways of delivering mental health services is also a strand of 'Our Valleys, Our Future'. Cwm Taf university health board has the highest number of people taking antidepressants—one in six of the population—and that actually reaches a staggering one in three in the town of Mountain Ash in my constituency of Cynon Valley. I recently met with Valleys Steps, an organisation that I've been championing since I was elected as AM for Cynon Valley. They're carrying out a pilot based on promoting alternatives to medication, but are concerned that funding for the project may not be carried forward. Can the Welsh Government commit to continue funding for this project for an adequate period to enable it to promote non-medication alternatives?

Can I thank the Member for the question? I can say that I do understand that Cwm Taf university health board is working collaboratively with the Valleys Steps programme, and my officials are in discussions with the health board over its ongoing work with the programme. I hope that a resolution can be achieved soon.

First Minister, I was very pleased to hear that the health Cabinet Secretary and the education Secretary announced additional investment for child and adolescent mental health services in schools. I do hope that we'll be seeing some of this benefit in places like Aberdare.

Yes. Of course, every secondary school has a school counsellor, but there is a reluctance amongst some to go and see that counsellor for fear that others will find out. I think that is an issue that—. Well, I'm aware that that's an issue for some teenagers. So, being able to extend the reach of CAMHS beyond its traditional areas to look at preventative work, I think, is hugely important. Given the pressures that teenagers are under—. When I was a teenager, what happened at school didn't follow you home at night; it does now—through social media. I've seen it with my own eyes with my own children, the kind of stuff that is out there on social media. That's why, of course, it's so important that we have in place a system that didn't exist when I was in school, but is needed now for many teenagers, to provide them with the support that they need, both in school and outside.