Wales Online has reported that according to NHS figures the number of people being admitted to Welsh hospitals for eating disorders increased by 10% in just one year. Health board statistics show there were 274 admissions between 2011- 2013, with an increase from 130 to 144 between 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.

A report published today looks at progress made so far against the aims of the Mental Health (Wales) Measure 2010. The report was launched at an event in Cardiff by Health Minister Mark Drakeford; the launch was attended by service users who spoke about their experience of mental health services and care and treatment planning. Hafal Members had inspired the original legislation and had proposed the detailed content of the new legal right to a Care and Treatment Plan which was adopted by the Government.

Yesterday (Wednesday 2nd April) a plenary debate about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) took place at the National Assembly. During the debate an amendment to the proposed motion was unanimously agreed stating that the National Assembly:

Mental health charities Hafal, Bipolar UK and the Mental Health Foundation and equality charity Diverse Cymru have released information about an upcoming campaign which will be led by service users and carers.

A report published this week by Public Health Wales reviewing deaths through suicide in children and young people in Wales has called for more to be done to ensure NICE guidance is implemented on the management of self harm…

A House of Lords inquiry report out today suggests that vulnerable adults are being failed by the Mental Capacity Act even though the laws are designed to protect and empower them. The report finds that social workers, healthcare professionals and others involved in the care of vulnerable adults are not aware of the Mental Capacity Act, and are failing to implement it.

A BBC Wales investigation has found that young people with a mental illness are often left struggling to cope without the appropriate support. One expert said there are only half the required staff in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): Dr Elspeth Webb, a reader in child health at Cardiff University, said services across Wales were operating at between 20% and 40% of the recommended staff levels.

This year’s “Mental Health Today Wales” conference, which will be held in Cardiff on 20th May, will explore “Mental Health and Poverty” by looking at the impact of poverty, in all its forms, on the mental health of Welsh citizens of all ages.

Our Spring 2014 journal is out now and it’s a treatments special focusing on medications and psychological therapies. Check out the journal for info on:

Professor Stephen Bazire, Consultant Pharmacist, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust talks to us about patient empowerment, how to choose a medication and the availability of talking therapies