James Evans MS has called on the Welsh Labour Government to take meaningful steps to deliver true parity between mental and physical health services, warning that the current disparity in access and support remains a major concern across communities.
Speaking in the Senedd, James criticised Welsh Labour’s reliance on “shiny policy documents and more committees” and urged the First Minister to focus on tangible delivery, particularly in early intervention and local mental health support. James also highlighted long waiting times and patchy access to services as key issues that demand urgent action.
First Minister Eluned Morgan defended her Government’s record, pointing to the new mental health and well-being strategy, the roll-out of the ‘111 press 2’ mental health helpline, and improvements in waiting time targets, including 92% of under-18s and over-18s being seen or receiving intervention within 28 days. However, James stressed that further action is still needed to ensure no one is left behind simply because their condition is invisible.
James Evans MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:
“We hear time and again about the ambition to achieve parity between mental and physical health, but the reality on the ground paints a very different picture.
“Waiting times remain far longer for mental health support, early intervention is under-resourced, and many areas still lack accessible, local services. What we need is action, not more glossy policy documents.
“I welcome progress where it has been made, but I’ll keep holding the Welsh Government to account until we see true parity between physical and mental health, so no one has to wait for vital help simply because their illness can’t be seen.”
