The Group has responded to the Welsh Government’s draft Mental Health and Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy.
Introduction
Our responses aim to highlight the unique challenges faced by the Deaf community in Wales and advocate for more inclusive and accessible mental health services.
Response to the Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Vision Statement Feedback
Overall Vision:
The Welsh Government’s vision is to create communities that promote mental health, eliminate stigma, and provide a connected support system. While we applaud the aspirational vision, it feels overly ambitious given the current state of services for Deaf individuals. Deaf people are not explicitly identified as a marginalised group, despite having twice the mental health issues compared to hearing populations. We urge the inclusion of Deaf-specific services to make the vision feasible.
Principles:
We agree with the ten principles outlined but stress the need for these to be inclusive of Deaf people. This includes recognising the importance of British Sign Language (BSL) and ensuring equity of access, informed by the unique determinants of health affecting Deaf individuals.
Vision Statements and Actions
Vision Statement 1: Knowledge, Confidence, and Opportunities
We support the idea that people should have the knowledge and confidence to improve their mental health. However, for Deaf individuals, there is a significant lack of accessible services and support. Actions must include providing information and services in BSL and ensuring the presence of trained interpreters.
Vision Statement 2: Cross-Government Action
Cross-government collaboration is essential. Deaf individuals face barriers across various sectors, including education and employment, which impact their mental health. Early support for Deaf children and their families is crucial to prevent long-term mental health issues.
Key Recommendations:
- Increase BSL training for health and care staff.
- Establish a dedicated Deaf mental health service in Wales.
- Ensure all mental health information and services are accessible in BSL.
- Enhance data collection to better understand and address the mental health needs of the Deaf community.
You can read our response on the Draft Mental Health Strategy here.
Response to the Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy
Goals and Aims
Overall Aim:
The strategy aims to prevent suicide and self-harm, make people feel safe and not judged, and ensure they receive timely help. We strongly agree with these goals but emphasise the need to include Deaf people as a high-risk group.
Priority and High-Risk Groups:
Deaf individuals should be recognised as a priority group due to their higher risk of mental health issues and suicide. This recognition is critical to developing effective prevention strategies.
Specific Goals:
Goal 1: Data Collection
Collecting data on suicide and self-harm must include information on Deaf individuals to tailor interventions appropriately.
Goal 2: Government Collaboration
Effective prevention requires cross-government efforts. Our experience shows a lack of coordination between departments, which must be addressed.
Goal 3: Supporting Vulnerable Groups
Special attention should be given to Deaf people, ensuring they have access to mental health support in their preferred language.
Goal 4: Awareness and Education
Raising awareness about suicide and self-harm must include accessible resources in BSL to ensure Deaf individuals are informed and supported.
Goal 5: Compassionate Care
Providing compassionate care to those affected by suicide and self-harm is essential. Services should be staffed by professionals proficient in BSL and knowledgeable about Deaf culture.
Goal 6: Media and Online Support
Media and online resources should promote positive mental health and be accessible to Deaf people, considering their unique needs.
Additional Comments
The strategy must clearly communicate its inclusivity of all age groups, including Deaf individuals. The impact on the Welsh language and the need for accessible information in BSL must be considered to ensure equitable treatment.
You can read our response on the Draft Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy here.
Conclusion
Our feedback highlights the urgent need for inclusive mental health strategies that address the unique challenges faced by the Deaf community in Wales. By implementing our recommendations, the Welsh Government can ensure that mental health services are truly accessible and equitable for all.
All Wales Deaf Mental Health and Wellbeing Group 