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Strategic Programme for Mental Health – Stakeholder update

The Strategic Programme for Mental Health Programme Board provides a strong collaborative mechanism for the direction and delivery of objectives in line with shared national priorities. The NHS Wales Executive (the Executive), Welsh Government, health boards, special health authorities, Third Sector and other key stakeholders in the mental health sector are represented on the forum. This update summarises key activity discussed at the Programme Board in January 2025.

 

Programme update

Ciara Rogers, National Director for Mental Health, Learning Disability and Neurodiversity in the NHS Wales Executive gave an update on the progress of the Strategic Programme for Mental Health since the last meeting. The position of the programme against the 2024-25 workplan remains on track and no new risks were identified.

An update was provided on the recently published NHS Wales Planning Framework 2025-28 and what this meant for colleagues from a mental health perspective. Mental health access has been highlighted as one of five strategic priority areas in the framework. Health boards in Wales have been asked to produce three-year Integrated Medium-Term Plans (IMTPs) with a focus on the five areas, in addition to the wider range of services health boards need to provide. Information was also shared about the related technical guidance and expectations. The Executive will be providing feedback to Welsh Government on the assessment of IMTPs as part of the submission, review and approval process. The Strategic Programme for Mental Health is committed to working with health boards to offer a steer on plans ahead of the formal submission deadline.

NHS Wales Performance Framework 2025-26 measures were also highlighted and discussed with colleagues. A delivery plan for the Strategic Programme for Mental Health will be presented at Programme Board in the spring, in addition to information on the Executive’s remit for 2025.

 

Service fragility

Following a request from the NHS Wales Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Wales has been asked to review the clinical system to identify services that could be considered fragile or unsustainable in their current configuration. The Executive is currently leading on this work and the Strategic Programme for Mental Health is overseeing the mental health aspects.

Developing national context of fragile mental health services is crucial to identify similarities and variation, including contributing factors. The Strategic Programme for Mental Health has supported health boards to undertake self-assessments to enhance intelligence and opportunities for learning and improvement across Wales.

A number of contributory drivers have been identified, as well as actions health boards are proactively taking to mitigate service fragility. The growing intelligence base will be used to take forward actions as part of the Strategic Programme for Mental Health’s 2025-26 workplan. Colleagues from health boards commended this work and the value it has had to date.

 

Psychological therapies and interventions

It is expected that the new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2034 will be committed to offering evidence-based therapies to people of all ages in Wales, and that a digital psychological therapies offer should be a key aspect of this.

In 2024, the National Psychological Therapies Management Committee was disbanded, with a view to re-establish a similar function as part of the Strategic Programme for Mental Health in the Executive.

A review of national guidance for developing safe, effective and evidence-based psychological therapies in Wales for people of all ages is currently underway. The national guidance is known as Matrics Cymru. National standards of service delivery will support education, training and workforce – as well as guiding capacity management.

The Programme Board was informed of examples of a number of mitigating actions that health boards were already taking to alleviate challenges, including workforce initiatives, use of digital tools, support mechanisms and management of risk.

As part of the Strategic Programme for Mental Health, a clear work plan around psychological therapies and interventions will be developed at pace, with a view to establish a National Psychological Interventions Programme Board in the spring.

 

NHS Wales mental health estate

Following a request at the last Programme Board after conversations about the Mental Health Patient Safety Programme, colleagues from Welsh Government attended to discuss the Targeted Estates Fund which is designed to support improvements to NHS estates. The Programme Board discussed opportunities to develop national intelligence around the NHS Wales mental health estate, acknowledging that most of the information available was in relation to inpatient settings. Colleagues agreed there is a growing need to develop how risks are assessed, and estates investments prioritised.

 

Wales Mental Health Leadership Exchange

This spring, the Wales Mental Health Leadership Exchange will bring together leaders from across the Welsh health and care system as part of a series of activity that supports information sharing and innovation.

The event will be a first of its kind in Wales and a valuable opportunity to:

  • Celebrate the contributions of colleagues that are making strides in improving mental health and wellbeing support and services for their population.
  • Connect with colleagues across the system, sharing knowledge and developing networks for peer support.
  • Champion the value of lived experience and co-production in service planning.
  • Inspire, inform and empower participants to drive the delivery of seamless mental health services.
  • Invest in professional development with protected time to enhance skills and knowledge around evidence-based practice and research.

A series of knowledge exchanges on specific topics will take place online and at various sites across Wales. Each knowledge exchange will be hosted by a team or organisation. As part of the knowledge exchanges, participants will share expertise, information and insights between individuals and organisations to foster greater collaboration, learning and innovation.

Insights from all of the knowledge exchanges will be presented at a conference in April. The conference will include networking opportunities, keynote speeches, workshops and an innovation showcase. There will also be a leadership development session for Programme Board members. More information can be found on the NHS Wales Executive website.