People in Wales could be able to access mental health support on the day they first seek help, without needing a referral, under plans being set out by the Welsh Government.

Mental Health Minister Delyth Jewell has outlined a commitment to a “no wrong door” approach, aimed at making it easier for people to get support wherever they turn for help.

Speaking at a Wales Alliance for Mental Health event at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff to mark World Mental Health Day, she said people should be able to access help quickly, without unnecessary barriers or lengthy waits.

The open-access approach is currently being trialled through a number of projects before being rolled out more widely across Wales.

The aim is to respond to people's main concerns on the day they seek support, with a route into specialist services where needed.

The plans form part of the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government for 2026 to 2030 and build on the NHS 111 Wales press 2 mental health helpline, which has received more than 300,000 contacts since launching nearly four years ago.

Ms Jewell said the approach was intended to reduce waiting times and help people receive support before their problems reached crisis point.

The Welsh Government says it will also work across different services to improve mental health and wellbeing, using research, data and the experiences of people who have needed support to shape future provision.