Following a two-year hiatus, several key speakers have been confirmed for the first Mental Health Wales conference to be held since the start of the pandemic.
Mental Health Wales 2022, which is organised by GovConnect and sponsored by Ludlow Street Healthcare, will feature Alex Slade, Director of Primary Care and Mental Health, Welsh Government, as the keynote speaker
The event, which will discuss the new mental health priorities for professionals and government in Wales and consider the progress of the Welsh Government’s current strategic response to mental health, will feature Shane Mills, the National Clinical Lead for Collaborative Commissioning, NHS Wales and Professor Andrew Forrester, from Cardiff University, among its high-profile speakers.
Contributors are also expected to examine options for future innovation and partnership development models in the context of the post pandemic social and fiscal environment, as well as allowing participants to hear from senior leaders in mental health and well-being in Wales.
Tony Farrar, Chief Executive Officer, GovConnect said: “The timing of the conference couldn’t be more apt, coming as it does after two years of Covid restrictions and at the end of the Welsh Government’s current 10-year plan, Together for Mental Health. The last two years have taken an unprecedented toll on people’s mental health and it is clear that while great strides have been made in raising awareness and tackling mental health issues, this is a crucial point for mental health care in Wales.
“We are so pleased with the calibre of speaker taking part in this important event. All our speakers have been invited because of their reputation and understanding of the subject matter and we are confident that each of them will bring their own, unique perspective to the day.”
Andrew Hider, Clinical Director at Ludlow Street Healthcare said, “At Ludlow Street Healthcare we saw first-hand the impact that the pandemic had on mental health. Service users and staff alike bore the brunt of the restrictions, so we know just how vital the subject matter is.
“By bringing together so many experts and specialists, we hope that we will be able to share best practice and encourage people to have conversations about mental health at home, in healthcare settings and in the workplace.”
Other speakers confirmed for the event include Professor Edwin Jones, Positive Behavioural Support Strategic Lead, BILD; Euan Hails MBE, Director of Clinical and Therapeutic Governance, Adferiad Recovery; Karen Jankulak, parent and carer; and Kate Young, Director, All Wales Forum.
Mental Health Wales 2022 will take place on 29th June in the Hilton, Cardiff.
Set up in 2005 by healthcare specialists, South Wales-based Ludlow Street Healthcare specialises in providing care for adults over the age of 18 with complex mental health problems, autism, learning disabilities, and neuropsychiatric conditions including dementia and acquired brain injuries.
Since its inception, Ludlow Street Healthcare has supported and cared for over 800 people, working in partnership with the NHS, developing services and investing in the necessary health infrastructure and staff training, to support patients on their journey to recovery and a more independent and fulfilling life, through step-down to community living – improving social integration and inclusion.
