CHILDREN and teenagers in Wales continue to miss out on vital mental health help, leaving many feeling “isolated and hopeless,” according to Mind Cymru.
The issue of the so-called “missing middle” was first highlighted in 2018 by the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee. It refers to young people whose needs are too complex for universal services but who do not meet the threshold for specialist treatment.
Mind Cymru’s latest research shows the gap is still leaving many without proper support. Young people told the charity they often feel stigmatised by limited school-based counselling and are reluctant to seek further help.
One said: “I felt like I wasn’t unwell enough to receive the support I needed but was too bad to receive the baseline support that was being offered. It made me feel alone and like a burden.”
Another added: “I don’t know if accessing specialist support will show up on my GP record and that could affect future job and education applications.”
The charity is urging the Welsh Government to ensure that children and young people help shape services under its new mental health and wellbeing strategy, launched in April.
As part of the response, Mind piloted a guided self-help programme for 11–18-year-olds aimed at those in the “missing middle.” Almost 700 young people took part in the six-week course, with 71 per cent reporting improved wellbeing. Every participant said they would recommend it.
The programme was delivered by Cwm Taf Morganwg Mind, Swansea Mind and Neath Port Talbot Mind in partnership with schools, GPs and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (SCAMHS).
At Dwr Y Felin Comprehensive in Neath, more than 100 pupils joined the scheme through Neath Port Talbot Mind. Deputy Head Lisa Thomas said: “Mind has been integral and have got to know our children so that the support offered is bespoke. They have advised pupils on the best way to support their friends, and they have spent time with parents offering guidance.”
She added: “Mental health is a vital area that needs support in school so children are able to learn, establish meaningful relationships and be happy and healthy so that their childhoods and adolescent years become the foundations on which they can build the rest of their lives.”
Mind Cymru has also raised concerns about the “all-age” approach of the government’s new strategy, stressing the importance of specific provision for younger people. It wants to see more advice, information and safe spaces in schools where pupils can explore mental health issues.
Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, said: “Wales has made significant developments in tackling the issue of the ‘missing middle’. And yet young people still tell us that they aren’t getting the right level of support at the right time.
“By offering a better range of support, tailored to young people’s needs, we know it can make a huge difference to their mental health at a crucial time in their lives. The Welsh Government’s commitment to open access mental health support will only succeed if young people’s voices guide the process and stigma is tackled head-on.”
