Nine new webinars to support system transformation in mental health
Webinar series - Enhancing the implementation of open access mental health support
Earlier this year, Welsh Government published a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2025-35 which has placed a strong emphasis on open access, flexible and recovery focused mental health support in Wales. To ensure we consistently meet the needs of our population, now and in the future, we need to transform mental health care in Wales.
The strategy marks a shift away from traditional tiered models of care to recovery-based system approaches. Whilst the principles are not new and there are rich evidence bases around them, national commitment to deliver this across the health system is courageous. There are clear ambitions for Wales to be the first nation to achieve same-day mental health care, based on a stepped approach.
Vision statement 4 of the strategy sets out to achieve seamless mental health services – that are person centred, needs led, and guide people to the right support first time, without delay. To achieve this, the NHS Wales Performance and Improvement will be working closely with NHS Wales and other key partners to implement ‘Open access mental health support’ based on the Stepped Care 2.0 model - enhancing ways of working and accelerating transformation.
NHS Wales Performance and Improvement has run a series of in-person events and webinars building awareness of open access mental health support and the ambitions set out in the strategy, as well as engaging with stakeholders around how this may be applied in national and local contexts.
The next phase of engagement will provide a deeper understanding of the model and its component parts, building knowledge, understanding and connections to support implementation. In addition to the work NHS Wales Performance and Improvement is doing with individual health boards and other stakeholders, the webinar series has also been extended. Colleagues have provided rich feedback about the value of these sessions and how they would like to see them continue.
Who are the webinars designed for?
The webinars are suitable for any NHS Wales staff with an interest in open access, flexible and recovery focused mental health support, as well as key stakeholders closely involved in the delivery of mental health services.
Check out the incredible series of webinars we have lined up. Even if you can’t make the session, by signing up you will get access to the recording.
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Co-production - a key driver for service developments
Monday 3 November, 14:00-15:00
Delivered by Co-production Network for Wales, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Parents Voices in Wales
This webinar delves into the principles and practice of coproduction in mental health, showing how it drives quality improvement. Participants will learn how to embed coproduction in everyday practice, balance professional and lived experience, and create safe collaborative spaces. Real-life examples will illustrate how coproduction enhances service design, engagement, trust, and innovation, encouraging reflection and adoption in participants’ own work.
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One at a Time: Transforming Mental Health Care with Timely Support
Monday 10 November, 15:00-16:00
Delivered by Stepped Care Solutions and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
Explore how “one at a time” approaches are transforming mental health care by offering timely, person-centred support without long waits or complex pathways. This webinar highlights the benefits of single-session interventions in empowering individuals, improving outcomes, and reducing service pressures. Attendees will gain practical strategies and insights from real-world examples to help implement this innovative model across services.
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Diversifying the mental health workforce
Thursday 27 November, 12:00-13:00
Delivered by Health Education and Improvement Wales
Discover how integrating a lived experience workforce strengthens open access mental health services by improving accessibility, flexibility, and trust. This session explores innovative service development, the value of lived experience roles, and strategies for embedding them across care levels. Learn how relationship-centred and knowledge democracy approaches can drive meaningful transformation and enhance care quality.
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Implementing Stepped Care 2.0: Key Strategies for Sustainable Transformation
Tuesday 2 December, 14:00-15:00
Delivered by Stepped Care Solutions and NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
Learn how implementation science supports the delivery of the Stepped Care 2.0 model in mental health services. This webinar offers practical strategies for using co-design, change management, and data-informed planning to tailor care to individual needs and preferences. Attendees will gain tools for sustainable system transformation and improved access.
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Creating connected community mental health services with the Third Sector
Wednesday 14 January,14:00-15:00
Delivered by Mind Cymru and Platfform
This webinar explores the vital role of community and voluntary organisations in delivering open access mental health support. Learn how collaborative, community-based approaches improve access, responsiveness, and outcomes. Real examples will showcase the Third Sector’s strengths - agility, deep community ties, and value - and offer practical steps to strengthen partnerships and build better-connected services.
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Unlock the secrets of successful spread and scale
Wednesday 28 January, 13:00-14:00
Delivered by Dragon’s Heart Institute
Why do great innovations often fail to spread? This webinar from the Dragon’s Heart Institute presents 10 essential questions to help overcome barriers to adoption. Using real-world examples from health and care, the session offers practical tools and reflective prompts to accelerate the spread and impact of your own projects.
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Digital transformation in mental health
Monday 9 February, 13:30-14:30
Delivered by Digital Health and Care Wales and Hywel Dda University Health Board
Explore digital platforms available to clinicians and tools that empower patients to manage their health. This webinar provides insights into current technologies used across Wales and beyond, highlighting how digital care is evolving. Learn how adopting these tools can improve outcomes and support the sustainability of mental health services.
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Data informed decision making in mental health
Thursday 12 March, 10:00-11:00
Delivered by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement
This webinar explores how data - especially Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and Patient Experience Surveys (PES) - can inform and improve mental health service delivery. Learn how to use these insights to guide decisions, enhance care quality, and ensure services reflect what matters most to people.
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An insight into implementation of open access mental health support so far
Wednesday 18 March, 10:00-11:00
Delivered by NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, health boards and trusts
Learn how Welsh health boards and trusts are testing new approaches to open access mental health support. This session showcases successes and lessons from demonstrator projects aligned with Stepped Care 2.0 principles. Hear directly from NHS Wales Performance and Improvement teams and project leads about evolving care to better meet population needs.
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