<b>A national conversation about mental wellbeing in Wales: The HAPUS programme</b>

<p dir="ltr">Mental wellbeing is a key component of overall health, influenced by social, economic and environmental factors, with community engagement playing a crucial role in supporting it. In line with the Future Generations (Wales) Act and the Mental Health Delivery Plan (2019-2022), it is acknowledged that good mental health and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone and a fully co-ordinated response across the voluntary and public services is needed to improve wellbeing at a population level. In 2024, a social movement model ‘HAPUS’ which enables national conversations about mental wellbeing across Wales was launched.</p><p dir="ltr">Prior to the launch of this programme, a two-part study was conducted in Wales to assess levels of social and mental wellbeing and participation in leisure activities. The first study involved a national cross-sectional survey, while the second study utilised focus groups with participants from charities in South Wales.</p><p dir="ltr">The survey revealed that while most participants understood the importance of actions to improve their wellbeing, however, only two-thirds found time for such activities. Significant disparities in wellbeing were noted, with individuals, who reported health issues, were younger or lived in the lowest deprivation quintile reporting lower mental and social wellbeing.</p><p dir="ltr">Qualitative findings highlighted the importance of good sleep, social relationships, and personal time as essential to individual wellbeing. Participants valued access to local green and blue spaces but faced both individual and structural barriers to engaging in wellbeing-promoting activities. Many lacked the confidence to engage in activities in the community and struggled to find suitable opportunities, although they believed community support could enhance their engagement.</p><p dir="ltr">While participants viewed leisure activities as important, multi-level barriers prevented regular engagement and may drive differences in wellbeing between demographic groups. National strategies are needed that encourage engagement in wellbeing promoting activities; most people in Wales know engagement is important, however a significant proportion feel they are not able.</p>