Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has today shared with Welsh Government the results of a mental health survey that he recently conducted among young people. It found that many are still too scared to talk about their mental health problems and going to seek help.

In November and December 2021, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS asked young people to share their experiences of accessing mental health services in Wales. He’d launched te survey in a Senedd debate and as well as being shared on his social media accounts, the survey was promoted by other Members and organisations involved with young people and/or mental health.

On this year’s #TimeToTalkDay, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS has published the research results of the survey and has shared the findings with Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Rhun ap Iorwerth said – “I wanted to get a snapshot of the experiences of young people in seeking help with mental health issues, and I am very grateful to everyone who took part in helping me to do that.”

He added – “I was saddened to read some individuals’ experiences of mental health services – that they do not feel they have enough time to discuss, that they are not taken seriously, or that they are passed from one place to another or find it difficult to get any response.

“It seemed appropriate to release this report on ‘Time to Talk Day’ as our findings showed how important it is for people not to be afraid to talk about mental health issues. And with so many saying that they would be most comfortable turning to friends or family, it is important that we ALL have the confidence to talk about mental health.”

The report will also be shared on Rhun ap Iorwerth’s social media pages.