James Evans wants to see improvement in mental health services in Wales.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MS said at the Senedd that people often hear commitments aimed at achieving parity between mental and physical health.

He said it’s referenced in the Government’s new mental health and well-being strategy, but in practice, there are still significant disparities across the system.

Mr Evans, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, told First Minister, Eluned Morgan: “Waiting times for mental health support are often far longer than for physical treatments. Early intervention is also under-resourced, and many areas still lack accessible local mental health support.

“What we need to hear from you is what concrete action the Welsh Government is taking to ensure parity of esteem between mental and physical health services.

“What we don't need to see are more shiny policy documents or more committees being set up to look at these things. What we need to see is delivery on the ground helping people in their communities.

“I don't think that anyone should have to wait to have their condition diagnosed or supported just because you cannot see it.

“I'd like to see what I said - concrete action to address the disparity between the two issues.”

Ms Morgan said the Government takes the issue of mental health very seriously.

She told Mr Evans: “The fact that we published a refreshed new plan and that there is a delivery programme that runs alongside it demonstrates how seriously we take this.

“We have the '111 press 2' service in Wales - that doesn't exist in other parts of the United Kingdom.

“Of course, we've got a long way to go, but I think it's important that people recognise that we have made significant strides already in relation to mental health.

“When you look at the figures for the under-18s, 92 per cent of them are seen within 28 days. When it comes to from assessment to intervention for over-18s, 92 per cent of them have an intervention within 28 days.

“This is massive progress compared to where we were, and I think it's important that we underline that.”

Ms Morgan said there was a stage a few years ago where people had to wait for years to get support.

But she added: “That is not the case any more. Things have improved dramatically.

“We've always got more work to do, but I think we've started to shift the dial on this important matter that affects a huge number of people in Wales.”

Speaking after the Senedd session, Mr Evans said: “We hear time and again about the ambition to achieve parity between mental and physical health, but the reality on the ground paints a very different picture.

“I welcome progress where it has been made, but I’ll keep holding the Welsh Government to account until we see true parity between physical and mental health, so no one has to wait for vital help simply because their illness can’t be seen.”