The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (15 December) appealed to the First Minister to ensure that all future Technical Advisory Cell briefings on the pandemic make adequate reference to the impact of restrictions on loneliness, social isolation and mental health issues. 

Her intervention came as a recent survey by Swansea University and Cardiff University revealed that approximately half of its 13,000 participants reported clinically significant psychological distress, with about 20% saying they were suffering severe effects. The research suggested that Wales faces a “wave” of mental health problems in the wake of COVID-19, with younger adults, women and people from deprived areas suffering the most. 

Commenting on her question to the First Minister, Janet said:  

“Recent correspondence from my constituents has shown first-hand how this period has understandably taken a negative toll on the mental health of the population’s most vulnerable. But, as I made clear to the First Minister, this correspondence is indicative of an immediate and long-term problem that is facing the Welsh public as a whole.  

“In reading the Welsh Government’s recent Technical Advisory Cell briefings, I am deeply concerned that they do not go far enough to adequately acknowledge the impact of restrictions on loneliness, social isolation and mental health issues. 

"This is especially so in the wake of new research from two Welsh Universities, which suggests that younger adults, women and people from deprived areas are increasing suffering as a result of the pandemic.

“This is why I have urged the First Minister to undertake an immediate review of his scientific advice, to ensure that these briefings include such important considerations. 

"As Wales now moves towards more stringent Coronavirus measures, the Welsh Government must work to ensure that access to loneliness support groups and mental health support services is properly maintained.” 

ENDS 

Photo: Emma Simpson on Unsplash