New conference strives to improve mental health and wellbeing in Wales

Healthcare professionals from across Wales will come together in Cardiff in October to attend the Together for Mental Health 2019 conference organized by GovConnect, which aims to improve mental health and wellbeing in Wales through partnership working.

With the overall cost of mental health issues in Wales estimated at £7.2 billion a year, the conference will consider the progress of Together for Mental Health – the Welsh Government’s cross portfolio strategic response to mental health – and examine options for future improvements and innovations.

Following a keynote address from Ken Skates AM, whose policy interests include mental health, the conference’s packed agenda includes speeches, case studies and panel debates with specialists including Sara Moseley from Mind Cymru, Dr Kate Chamberlain, Chief Executive, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and Hazel Powell, Nursing Officer for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Welsh Government.

Dr Kate Chamberlain, Chief Executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales said:

“Supporting positive mental health and wellbeing is of importance for all of us. I am looking forward to taking part in day of discussion on how we can improve and transform services so that they can meet people’s needs.”

Conference sponsor Ludlow Street Healthcare, a specialist provider of care for adults with complex mental health problems in Wales, is hoping the conference will provide an opportunity for everyone to share their experiences of delivering against the Welsh mental health strategy and vision for future mental health provision.

Dr Andrew Hider, Clinical Director at Ludlow Street Healthcare said:

“We are proud to be the main sponsor of this significant conference.

“If we are going to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Wales, a collaborative approach is essential. This conference is important as it is bringing together senior leaders from many of the key organisations and stakeholders around mental health and well-being in Wales.

“Mental health impacts on so many people, at so many levels and in so many spheres. Addressing this growing problem in a cohesive way requires involvement from a broad-range of organisations so it is crucial to bring everyone together to create and communicate a shared vision. I’m looking forward to the day and planning what we can achieve together in Wales.”

Hazel Powell, Nursing Officer for Mental Health & Learning Disability at Welsh Government, who is one of the guest speakers said:

“I am looking forward to joining the discussions and hearing about some of the innovative approaches being taken forward to improving mental health and well-being in Wales.”

Together for Mental Health 2019 will take place on October 16th in the Radisson Blu, Cardiff.

To find out more about the conference please visit https://togetherformentalhealth.co.uk