Young people in Wales with mental health challenges are feeling increasingly isolated and hopeless. Despite schools, online platforms, and organisations stepping up to provide support, less than half of young people know where to turn when they need help.
A common problem lies in the gap for those who don’t meet the threshold for specialist services but still have significant mental health needs—what’s being called the ‘Missing Middle’. Many young people report feeling reluctant to seek future support, fearing stigma and discrimination. They acknowledge that while schools offer some help, it’s often not enough to fully meet their needs.
A decade-long mental health strategy has been launched in Wales, promising to fill these gaps, but progress has been slow. Seven years after a Senedd committee addressed the ‘missing middle’, issues remain unresolved. Counsellors in schools are available, yet access is limited and sometimes ineffective; high demand means missed appointments can quickly end one’s access to care.
Thanks to feedback from young people, Mind Cymru has adapted its adult-guided self-help model to fit the needs of youth. Since 2020, their ‘Missing Middle’ programme has seen success, supporting nearly 700 young people with flexibility and continued care. An impressive 71% of participants reported improved wellbeing, and all would recommend the programme to peers.
This successful programme has shown a way forward, highlighting that with active listening and the right support, positive change is possible. It’s crucial that the Welsh Government includes young people in shaping future mental health services and ensures these are accessible, timely, and free from stigma. Only then can real progress be made toward achieving the goal of universal mental health support in Wales over the next decade. Let’s work together to ensure every young person feels supported and heard.