New research helps shape the future of mental health services in Wales

Two new national reports have been published to support improvements to mental health services in Wales, focusing on physical activity and mental health, and mental health services in Welsh prisons. 

Developed through the Dyfodol programme in partnership with the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) Wales, the reports provide evidence and recommendations to support commissioners, service providers and policymakers in making decisions about the future design and delivery of mental health services across Wales. 

The Dyfodol ("future" in Welsh) programme brings together national partners to use evidence and insight to design and improve mental health services across Wales. The programme helps strengthen how services are planned and delivered, ensuring future developments are informed by research and real-world experience, with findings formally reported to Welsh Government. 

The reports highlight key areas for development and set out practical actions to support future service design: 

1. Prison mental health and substance use – provides the first national baseline assessment of services across Welsh prisons, identifying good practice, variation in service models and opportunities for improvement. The findings will help inform future commissioning decisions, strengthen partnership working and support more consistent, high-quality care across the prison estate. 

2. Physical activity and mental health – sets out a national framework to embed physical activity within mental health services, highlighting its role in improving wellbeing and supporting recovery. It identifies actions to develop more person-centred, community-based approaches, strengthen prevention and early intervention, and improve access to support for people across Wales. 

Sue O'Leary, Director of Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Vulnerable Groups at NWJCC, said: "These reports provide valuable insight to help shape how mental health services are developed across Wales. By identifying what works well and where improvements are needed, they support a more evidence-informed approach to improving outcomes and reducing variation in care. 

“Through the Dyfodol programme, we are working collaboratively with partners to design and improve services, helping ensure people can access the right support, at the right time, wherever they live in Wales." 

Together, these reports demonstrate how evidence and partnership working can support better mental health outcomes. By highlighting opportunities to improve quality and strengthen access to care, they provide a stronger foundation for future service development and help ensure people across Wales receive high-quality support when they need it.