Rising costs and difficult economic times are adding to the financial pressure on carers, a new survey suggests.

Carers UK, the membership organisation for carers, carried out the survey this autumn.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan opened a new mental health unit for the elderly in Cardiff this week.

The Iorwerth Jones Centre – a former residential home in Llanishen – has been re-developed into a modern treatment facility, following 3 million pounds of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

Findings from the fourth annual census of the ethnicity of inpatients in mental health and learning disability services have revealed that some black and minority ethnic groups are three or more times more likely than average to be admitted as inpatients in mental health services.

Deputy Health and Social Services Minister Gwenda Thomas has outlined the approach the Assembly Government will take on a range of issues related to Carers.

Mental health charity Hafal’s information-packed autumn conference to explore the challenges faced by people recovering from a serious mental illness and feature colourful debate, exhibitions and workshops.

A Welsh Assembly Government strategy designed to reduce suicide and self-harm has been broadly welcomed by the mental health sector.

The Welsh Assembly Government has responded to criticism it received following the announcement that the number of NHS beds in Wales was cut by 229 last year.

Mental health charities have greeted changes to the new system of sickness benefit, which were introduced this week, with caution.

Health and Social Services Minister Edwina Hart has outlined her mental health service spending for the next two years.

Hart’s announcement follows last week’s draft budget which saw the announcement of increased funding for health and social services as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s One Wales commitments.