On Monday 20th April 2026, National Forum Member Gareth McRea gave a presentation on behalf of the Forum to the Women’s Group at the Adferiad Centre in Grangetown, Cardiff.
The aim of the visit was to encourage greater representation from minority groups within the Forum, as people from these communities are often underrepresented in conversations around mental health services and lived experience.
Prior to the presentation, Paul Williams from the Forum introduced Gareth to Samira Salter from Diverse Cymru, with an initial Teams meeting helping provide a better understanding of the group and the work they do.
The group gave Gareth a very warm welcome and the session provided an opportunity to share more about the Forum, including its work, the National Guidance and the history of the organisation. Gareth also shared a number of digital stories, which helped open up conversations and encouraged some members of the group to reflect on and discuss their own experiences.
Due to confidentiality and the importance of respecting people’s personal experiences, specific details shared during the session cannot be repeated. However, some of the experiences discussed highlighted the continued impact of racism within society and, more concerningly, within parts of the mental health system itself. Hearing these experiences was deeply moving and reinforced the importance of ensuring all voices are heard within mental health services and decision-making.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to be listened to and represented in conversations about mental health support and service provision. The Forum hopes the visit encouraged members of the group to consider becoming involved and helping shape future discussions through lived experience and shared insight.