Part of 2. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:18 pm on 15 January 2019.
Thank you, First Minister, and I was delighted to hear about that extra £7.1 million that was announced yesterday. As you'll be aware, 'Mind over Matter' enjoys strong cross-party support, and I believe that it sets out a clear road map for transforming the emotional and mental health of our children and young people. That said, I'm under no illusions about the scale of the challenge we face, and a particular concern is the rise in the number of young people dying by suicide in Wales and an overall rise in the suicide rate of 12 per cent that goes against the trend of a reduction in the number of suicides in the rest of the UK.
Would the First Minister agree with me that if we are to stem that trend, investing in the emotional and mental health of our children and young people is absolutely crucial? And what assurances can you give that some of this extra money—a good chunk of this extra money—will be directed at the early intervention and prevention that is advocated by 'Mind over Matter'?