6. What action is the Welsh Government taking to ensure access to independent advocacy and support for those with poor mental health in north Wales? OAQ52788

We recognise the vital role of independent advocacy in providing person-centred mental health support. The Assembly legislated for independent advocacy in our Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010. We will increase our investment in mental health services again next year to continue to improve the support that is available.

I know, to be fair, Cabinet Secretary, that you do value independent advocacy for people with mental health—. But I am a little bit concerned about some of the restructuring that's going on with mental health advocacy in my own constituency at the moment. You will be aware that there's an organisation called Un Llais that has been extremely effective in building capacity in the third sector, particularly in terms of developing advocacy support in the region in north Wales, but very recently, the health board has taken the decision to terminate the contract that it has with Un Llais, which, I believe, is detrimental to the work that the third sector is doing to support the improvements that are needed in mental health services across the region, especially in terms of advocacy support.

Can I ask whether you—given that this health board is in special measures—will be able to help review this decision to make sure that it is appropriate and that there are adequate services available for those who need advocacy support in relation to their mental health services? Because this is a concern that has been raised with me, not just from the third sector organisation that is affected, but also by service users themselves.

Thank you for the question. I'm happy to say that we do monitor the provision of advocacy services across the country, and, actually, Betsi Cadwaladr currently meet our current standards to make sure that advocacy services are provided. We have quarterly assurance and reporting on the delivery of advocacy services. I can't go into the detail of the individual matter that you raise, but if you write to me with the detail of the nature of the concern, then I'll be happy to make sure that it is properly investigated.

Question 7 [OAQ52776] is withdrawn. Finally, then, question 8, Rhianon Passmore.