The 2024 recipient of the Country Leadership Award for Wales is The Strategic Programme for Mental Health and the Team at NHS Wales.

The Strategic Programme for Mental Health has successfully addressed geographical and logistical barriers that previously limited access by expanding the digital offering of mental health support and spearheaded remarkable advancements in digital mental health across the country. The programme’s groundbreaking initiatives include introducing online counseling services nationwide, integrating mental health information into the NHS App, and implementing a unified digital mental health care record system.

What truly sets The Strategic Programme for Mental Health and the team behind it apart is their willingness to take bold risks to drive sustainable change. Operating on behalf of the Welsh Government, this team has fostered an environment ripe for innovation in e-mental health. Their efforts have not only embraced the latest technologies but also created a robust framework for continued growth and improvement.

The measurable impact of their work is substantial. Thanks to their initiatives, over 50,000 more individuals can now access digital mental health support across Wales. This expansion reflects their commitment to improving mental health outcomes and ensuring no one is left behind due to geographic constraints.

Three unique qualities make this team and programme especially deserving of this award. Firstly, their leadership in e-mental health innovation has brought stakeholders together with a unified vision, creating significant momentum and driving impactful outcomes. Secondly, their comprehensive approach to evaluating impact and outcomes ensures that their initiatives are effective and sustainable. Finally, their ability to navigate and integrate policy support with delivery infrastructures is crucial for enabling ongoing innovation and change in the digital mental health landscape.

These qualities are vital for the future of digital mental health leadership. As we move forward, having strong policy support and effective delivery systems will be essential for fostering continued innovation and ensuring that digital mental health solutions reach those in need.

Congratulations to The Strategic Programme for Mental Health and the Team at NHS Wales!