Mental Health and Vulnerable Groups

Mental Health and Vulnerable Groups, leads the commissioning efforts to ensure access to a comprehensive range of mental health services across Wales.

Our commissioning portfolio encompasses a diverse array of services, including the All Wales Traumatic Stress Quality Improvement Initiative (Traumatic Stress Wales), which aims to enhance care for individuals affected by traumatic stress. We also oversee Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Tier 4, providing specialised care for young people with complex mental health needs.

In addition, we commission the Forensic Adolescent Consultation Service (FACS), which offers specialised interventions for adolescents involved in the criminal justice system. We further commission the Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People and Secure Services for those with a learning disability..

Our commissioning efforts extend to High Secure, Medium Secure, and Low Secure Psychiatric Services, catering to individuals with varying levels of mental health needs. We also provide specialized services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing through Mental Health Services for Deaf People (Tier 4).

Furthermore, we oversee Neuropsychiatry services, addressing the complex intersection of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Additionally, we commission Specialised Perinatal Services and Specialised Eating Disorder Services (Tier 4) to support individuals during vulnerable life stages.

Our department plays a pivotal role in coordinating national initiatives, including the National MH/LD Hospital Framework, National MH/LD Care Home Framework, and Focused Service Reviews for Mental Health. We collaborate with stakeholders to conduct National Service Reviews and drive continuous improvement in mental health services across Wales.

We also lead initiatives to enhance mental health care in primary care settings, in partnership with the Strategic Programme for Primary Care. Furthermore, we support research and innovation programmes.

As part of our commitment to improving access to mental health care, we lead initiatives such as Taith Dda-Mental Health conveyance and Mental Health 111#2 in partnership with Goal 2 of Six Goals for Urgent and Emergency Care. We also facilitate alternative care models through initiatives like the Children and Young Person Mental Health (CYP) Alternatives to Admission Vanguard.

Moreover, we oversee the Welsh Governments Mental Health Measurement & Outcomes Board to monitor and improve outcomes in mental health care. Additionally, we provide support to Health Boards for Continuing Health Care through our role as lead for the Joint Commissioning Committee.

We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals across Wales have access to high-quality, person-centered mental health care, and support. Through strategic commissioning, collaboration, and innovation, we aim to improve outcomes, promote recovery, and enhance the well-being of our communities.