Event Summary

We are pleased to give you advance notice of our Mental Health in Schools Wales Conference taking place in Cardiff on 27th January 2026.

Across Wales, schools are playing an increasingly vital role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of children and young people. This national conference brings together school leaders, local authorities, health professionals, young people, and third sector organisations to share ideas and solutions to make measurable improvements in mental health provision.

With the Welsh Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2024–2034) setting out an ambitious long-term vision, you will hear about the latest priorities, funding opportunities, and expectations for schools and colleges. We’ll highlight whole-school approaches and showcase what positive, supportive learning environments look like in practice. Leave with guidance, case examples, and next steps tailored to your setting.

Hear directly from young people about the real challenges faced today, from exam stress to social media pressures. Find out how to tailor support for particularly vulnerable pupil cohorts, including young people with ALN, BAME children, young carers, and looked after children. Our experts will consider the specific challenges faced by boys and young men in relation to mental health, and effective strategies to support them.

There will be dedicated sessions on integrating wellbeing across the Curriculum for Wales, building community-focused schools, and working with health services through models such as CAMHS In-Reach.

Expert speakers will share practical guidance on how to implement trauma-informed approaches and the Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy in schools

With staff competence and wellbeing at the heart of safe, supportive school environments, take away insights and strategies to ensure all those working in your school are equipped – both emotionally and professionally – to respond effectively to challenging situations.

Materials can be provided in Welsh. Email: info@policyinsight.wales. Gallwn ddarparu deunyddiau yn Gymraeg. E-bost: info@policyinsight.wales

Please allow 7 days for materials to be provided in Welsh. Caniatewch 7 diwrnod i ddeunyddiau gael eu darparu yn Gymraeg.

Key Points

  • Implementing the Welsh Government’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2024–2034): what it means for schools, including funding opportunities and priorities
  • Embedding whole-school approaches to mental health and wellbeing
  • Perspectives from young people and professionals on school mental health and what good support means
  • Practical strategies for integrating wellbeing into the Curriculum for Wales
  • Strengthening partnerships with health and community services, including through CAMHS In-Reach models
  • Delivering rapid and impactful interventions, crisis referral pathways, and support
  • Supporting particularly vulnerable pupil cohorts
  • Addressing mental health challenges for boys and young men
  • Improving staff wellbeing and competence to manage pupils’ mental health concerns
  • Taking a trauma-informed approach and embedding compassionate practice across education
  • Implementing the Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention Strategy in schools

Sponsorship

Interested in sponsoring this event? Click here for sponsorship opportunities.

View all our conferences, events and training here.

Group discounts

Contact us for group rates.