Everyone in Wales should be able to get mental health support, Mind Cymru say

Adam Johannes

Everyone in Wales should be able to get mental health support, no matter who they are or where they live

That’s the message from Mind Federation in Wales, shared at the launch of their latest annual report, Mental Health is Everything, Everywhere, Everyone.

Across Wales, 15 independent Mind charities, alongside national helplines and online peer support, help people navigate the challenges of mental health.

The launch included a panel discussion featuring Cwm Taf Mind CEO Keiran Harris and Mind supporter Francesca Murphy, who spoke about the life-changing support she received after a sailing accident affected her mental health, as well as Mind Our Future Project Officer Kimberley Hodges.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, Local Minds ran more than 160 services, reaching over 30,000 people across Wales. Volunteers gave generously of their time, contributing work worth around £670,000 to help keep support available for those who needed it most.

Mind’s four helplines answered hundreds of calls from people seeking emotional support and practical advice, including guidance on welfare and benefits, with many callers referred to their local Mind for ongoing help. Charity shops in Cardiff, Llandudno, Prestatyn, and Rhyl also raised significant funds, thanks to the dedication of volunteers.

Youth

One of the most hopeful initiatives highlighted is the Mind Our Future project. Now in its fourth year, it is led by 11 young Peer Service Designers aged 16–24. Working with youth services and ProMo Cymru, they are finding new ways to support young people’s mental health across Gwent.

Early research, which engaged over 200 young people aged 11–27, showed some challenges. Many didn’t know what support was available, stigma around mental health made it harder to reach out, and help was often inconsistent or not flexible enough. These findings are now being used to create better, more responsive youth-led mental health services.

Mali Jones, one of the Peer Service Designers, said: “We found that people were having trouble accessing services and we really just wanted to make sure we could upskill young people to support themselves, support their peers, and also we wanted to target professionals too, to make sure that when they’re supporting young people they’re doing it in the best and most efficient, and kind way.”

Lexy Gingell added: “Young people deserve a chance for mental health support – no matter who they are, or where they are.”

Julian John praised the work of volunteers, staff, and campaigners. “We’re really thankful to everyone who took the time to hear about the life changing work our local Minds continue to put into supporting the mental health needs of people across Wales. I’m particularly grateful to the young people from the Mind Our Future project and to our panel in sharing their own experiences for the benefit of others, which isn’t always easy.”

The report demonstrates how Mind charities across Wales provide crucial support, working alongside the Welsh Government’s 10-year mental health strategy to try to ensure people can access the right help, at the right time.

More information on Mind services in your area can also be found here.