7. Welsh Conservatives Debate: Child and adolescent mental health

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:34 pm on 18 May 2022.

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Photo of Gareth Davies Gareth Davies Conservative 6:34, 18 May 2022

Yes, I was actually paying attention, but it was to highlight the actual need for the review into CAMHS services, which has been long delayed and is well overdue. So, Minister, I'd really welcome some urgency on that CAMHS review, and be keen to hear a statement from yourself in due course as to how you're getting on with that.

As mentioned, James mentioned personal experiences, which was very brave of him to stand up in here and say that, and we need more people to come forward to raise the profile of mental health and tackle some of the stigmas around it. Some of the social media, the modern platforms and the grandiose nature of some of the social media platforms often portray a false view of life that can feed into some anxieties around some social situations. And, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic, and calling for the need for an eating disorders unit, which is all great progress, and the need, indeed, for 24-hour crisis centres for children and young people—.

Then we heard from Rhun ap Iorwerth who, again, mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic and school pupils missing out on school work and contact with peer groups, which is all too important with young people growing up. A main point he raised was the serious mental health issues, because we hear too often in the media about anxiety and depression, which do play a big part in mental health, but it's also the recognition of the more serious mental issues, sometimes, like bipolar, schizophrenia, psychosis and the need for the first-episode prevention in psychosis, to treat people as they're coming in to services, and rather than spending a lifetime in services, it's nipping that in the bud when they're quite young. And I think that that was a really good point that you raised today, Rhun.

We heard from Laura Anne Jones about the disparities of some of the Welsh Government provision and what's actually the reality. And the point I made that two thirds of people aren't being seen within the 28-day period, which we really do need to see improvements on, and getting the right support for children with autism and learning disabilities in schools and in the general public.

And then we heard the personal case from Sarah Murphy. I'd really like to applaud you, again, on showing that bravery, because it takes a hell of a lot of bottle to get up in here and talk about something that you've really suffered with as a young girl, and I really take my hat off to you. And you've come, obviously, a long way from that and regardless of party politics, the good people of Bridgend and Porthcawl have put their trust in you to represent them here and I applaud you for that, and you're doing really well.

And then we heard from Sam Kurtz about holding the Welsh Government to account, and the variations in rural communities in comparison to larger cities and urban areas, which we know all too well about. We heard from Jane Dodds about her experience in the social work profession and seeking clarification on those waiting times, which the Deputy Minister was able to respond to you on—I was listening, Deputy Minister, just for clarity—and the positive stories coming out of some of the services in terms of home treatment teams and the voluntary and third sector support that's available as well, which, you rightly say, is a preferred method of seeking care for some people, particularly younger people and children, who we're speaking about today.

Altaf Hussain mentioned the transfer between the children and adult mental health service, the smooth transition, and I think if those reassessments were more prevalent between those transitions, and between those services, we could see a more seamless transportation between those systems, which I'd be keen to see progress on, and, of course, the mental health Act in Wales, and what that can mean for Wales itself in a UK context.

I thank the Deputy Minister, also, for your response today and updating the Senedd today on some of those initiatives that the Welsh Government are working on. I'd like to see regular updates to the Senedd about, like I mentioned, how you're getting on with that, as it's such an emotive and personal issue for a lot of Members and people across Wales. So, we'll be keeping a good eye on that. I'll just end my contribution in urging Members that if you do feel passionate about this and agree with the points that have been put forward by the Welsh Conservatives today, then I'd urge you to support our motion today. Thank you very much.